A rapidly spreading mystery illness has claimed over 50 lives in northwestern Congo in just five weeks, raising alarm among health officials. Initially detected in three children who consumed bat meat, the disease has now spread to multiple villages, infecting 419 people and resulting in 53 deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The illness, characterized by severe fever, vomiting, internal bleeding, and rapid deterioration, has proven fatal for most victims within 48 hours of symptom onset. Serge Ngalebato, medical director at Bikoro Hospital, expressed deep concern about the speed at which the disease is progressing and its high fatality rate.
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While the symptoms bear resemblance to hemorrhagic fevers like Ebola, Marburg, and yellow fever, laboratory tests have ruled out these known viruses. This has led health experts to consider the possibility of an unknown pathogen. The disease has already spread beyond Boloko village, where it originated, with more cases reported in nearby areas such as Bomate.
The outbreak is suspected to have zoonotic origins, with bats as potential carriers, a scenario that has raised concern over the consumption of wild animals in the region. The WHO has noted a 60% increase in zoonotic outbreaks in sub-Saharan Africa over the past decade, highlighting the ongoing risk of animal-to-human disease transmission.
Health authorities are scrambling to trace the source of the outbreak and contain its spread. Samples from new cases have been sent to Congo’s National Institute for Biomedical Research in Kinshasa for further analysis. Meanwhile, local communities have been warned against consuming wild animals, including bats, as a precautionary measure.
The outbreak has sparked international attention due to the rapid progression of the illness and the uncertainty surrounding its cause. Global health experts stress the need for early detection, thorough surveillance, and strong cooperation to manage and prevent the potential spread of this deadly disease.
