Ebola burial teams in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are encountering growing difficulties as the outbreak spreads across six provinces in the eastern part of the country. The outbreak has been exacerbated by factors such as rebel violence, displacement, and large movements of people, making containment efforts more challenging. These teams are responsible for the safe and respectful burial of Ebola victims, which is crucial to prevent the spread of the virus. According to recent reports, nearly 3,200 people have died from the outbreak, with over 6,500 confirmed cases. The situation is further complicated by a weak healthcare system, limited contact tracing, and the absence of an approved vaccine or specific treatment for the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus responsible for the outbreak. In Ituri province, which has become the epicenter of the outbreak, burial teams led by individuals like Yuma Adolphe are working tirelessly to handle the bodies of the deceased, which can still contain infectious virus. Their work is essential to prevent further transmission, but they face increasing pressure and hostility from some communities. Adolphe described the intense workload and the urgency of their mission, emphasizing that the safety of the community is their top priority, even as the emotional and physical toll on the teams grows. Health workers and burial teams have also been targeted by grieving families who are upset about the restrictions on traditional burial practices. In many African cultures, these rituals are an important way to honor the deceased, but they are now prohibited due to the risk of infection. Some families have expressed frustration, feeling that the outbreak has taken their loved ones and denied them the right to perform these customs. Jeanne Alasha, an adviser to the military governor of Ituri, noted that those who attack the teams are committing offenses that can be legally punished. The lack of a specific vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo virus has made the situation even more dire. While health authorities have begun vaccinating frontline workers with the Evrebo vaccine, which the World Health Organization (WHO) says may offer some protection against Ebola, there is no conclusive evidence that it is effective against this particular strain. Experts believe the actual scale of the outbreak is likely three times higher than official numbers, as the virus continues to spread faster than containment efforts. The WHO has warned that the outbreak could surpass the worst in history—the 2014-2016 West African Ebola epidemic, which killed over 11,000 people. Additionally, strikes by frontline health workers over unpaid wages have further complicated the response. Trauma experts emphasize that the impact of the outbreak goes beyond the numbers, affecting individuals and communities deeply. A comprehensive approach that includes support for both affected families and workers is needed to effectively control the spread of the virus. After burying a young chorister in Bunia, Adolphe expressed his exhaustion but said he is most concerned about the community’s safety. “We have no choice,” he said. “We are here to safeguard our community.”