Mysterious Illness Claims Over 50 Lives in DR Co...

Mysterious Illness Claims Over 50 Lives in DR Congo Within Hours

Zim Now Writer

A deadly unidentified illness has rapidly claimed more than 50 lives in northwestern Democratic Republic of Congo over the past five weeks, with symptoms including fever, vomiting, and internal bleeding.

The outbreak, first detected in three children who had consumed a bat, has since spread, with 419 reported cases and 53 deaths. Medical experts are alarmed by the disease’s rapid progression, with most victims succumbing within 48 hours of showing symptoms.

“These hemorrhagic fever symptoms resemble those of Ebola, Marburg, and other deadly viruses, but preliminary tests have ruled them out,” said Serge Ngalebato, medical director of Bikoro Hospital, a regional monitoring center.

The outbreak began on January 21 in Boloko village and later spread to Bomate on February 9. Samples from 13 cases were sent to the National Institute for Biomedical Research in Kinshasa, with all testing negative for known hemorrhagic fevers. However, some tested positive for malaria, raising concerns about potential co-infections.

The World Health Organization has long warned about the dangers of zoonotic diseases, particularly in regions where wild animals are consumed. Africa has seen a 60% increase in such outbreaks over the past decade.

Authorities are continuing investigations to identify the cause of the outbreak and prevent further spread.