An unexplained disease has led to the deaths of at least 53 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the past five weeks, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). As of February 16, 431 cases of the illness have been reported across two outbreaks in remote villages in Equateur Province.
The disease, which was first identified in three children who had consumed bat meat, has raised alarm due to its rapid onset and fatality rate. In most cases, symptoms appear suddenly, with death occurring within 48 hours. “The speed with which the disease claims lives is deeply concerning,” said Serge Ngalebato, the medical director at Bikoro Hospital, a regional monitoring center.
Symptoms and Medical Response
Initial symptoms of the mysterious illness include fever, vomiting, and internal bleeding. As investigations have progressed, additional symptoms have been identified, including diarrhea, body aches, intense thirst, and joint pain. Reports from local health authorities indicate that some children who succumbed to the illness exhibited symptoms such as incessant crying, nosebleeds, and vomiting blood.
Despite the similarity of symptoms to known hemorrhagic fevers, such as Ebola, dengue, and Marburg virus, tests on several patient samples have ruled out these diseases. The precise cause of the illness remains unknown, though experts are considering the possibility of a new infectious agent or a toxic substance.
“We are exploring all potential causes, including whether it may be a new infection or a toxic exposure,” a WHO spokesperson stated. “Our teams are actively working to understand the nature of this disease, and we will determine how the WHO can best support ongoing efforts.”
The situation remains under close investigation as health officials strive to prevent further spread of the illness and provide support to the affected communities.
Related Topics
