MONGBWALU — Three Red Cross volunteers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo died in May after they were believed to have contracted the Ebola virus during a humanitarian mission in March. The volunteers served in the Mongbwalu branch of Congo's Red Cross society in Djugu territory, Ituri province.

The volunteers were identified as Alikana Udumusi Augustin, who died on May 16; Sezabo Katanabo, who died on May 15; and Ajiko Chandiru Viviane, who died on May 5. They are believed to have contracted the virus while carrying out dead body management activities on March 27 during a mission unrelated to Ebola.

At the time of the intervention, the community was not aware of the Ebola virus disease outbreak and it had not yet been identified. The three volunteers are among the first known victims of the outbreak.

Congo's Red Cross society said in a statement: "These volunteers lost their lives while serving their communities with courage and humanity. We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, loved ones, fellow volunteers and colleagues."

The outbreak first emerged in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On May 17, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.

As of Thursday, there were 746 suspected cases of the virus and 176 deaths among suspected cases reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. There have been at least 88 confirmed cases, with 10 deaths among those cases, including one in Uganda.

The current outbreak is being driven by a strain of Ebola called Bundibugyo, which causes hemorrhagic fever and has no approved vaccines or treatments. Since the outbreak, aid and personnel have been sent to the Democratic Republic of the Congo from regional and international partners including the World Health Organization, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Doctors Without Borders and the U.S. State Department.