An unknown illness has claimed the lives of over 50 people in northwestern Congo in less than a month, alarming health officials and communities alike. The outbreak began on January 21 and has resulted in approximately 419 recorded cases according to both local doctors and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The symptoms of the disease, which include fever, vomiting, and internal bleeding, typically appear suddenly, with death occurring in less than 48 hours in most cases. This rapid progression is particularly distressing, as highlighted by Serge Ngalebato, medical director of Bikoro Hospital: “That’s what’s really worrying” he noted in an interview with the Associated Press.

The outbreak is believed to have started in the village of Boloko after three children consumed a bat and exhibited severe symptoms, leading to their deaths within days. Concerns over zoonotic diseases—those that jump from animals to humans—have escalated, especially following a reported increase of over 60% in such outbreaks across Africa in the last decade, as stated by the WHO in 2022.

Laboratory tests conducted on samples from affected individuals have ruled out known deadly viruses like Ebola, Marburg, and dengue fever. However, some tests revealed positive results for malaria, further complicating the situation. Following another outbreak that began on February 9 in Bomate, 13 samples were sent to Kinshasa's National Institute for Biomedical Research for confirmation, none of which indicated common hemorrhagic fever diseases.

This recent instance is reminiscent of a similar situation last year when a flu-like illness claimed lives in another region of Congo, later linked to malaria. As the country continues to tackle this new health crisis, the WHO has been providing essential medical supplies and support to local health workers amidst ongoing violence in the eastern regions, which has severely impacted infrastructure.

Furthermore, the Democratic Republic of Congo is presently facing significant challenges with the mpox epidemic, with over 79,519 suspected cases and more than 1,500 deaths reported across its provinces since early 2024, prompting public health campaigns aimed at vaccination.

For additional information, please visit Independent or check the Los Angeles Times.