Mystery illness kills over 50 in Congo, patients die within 48 hours: WHO raises alarm

ET OnlineLast Updated: Feb 25, 2025, 10:19:00 AM IST

Synopsis

An unknown illness has killed over 50 people in northwestern Congo. The majority of the cases have symptoms within 48 hours. The outbreak started on January 21, and 419 cases have been recorded so far. The World Health Organisation is investigating. Samples tested negative for Ebola and other common hemorrhagic fever diseases. Some tested positive for malaria.

An unidentified illness has killed more than 50 people in northwestern Congo, according to local doctors and the World Health Organisation (WHO). The outbreak, which started on January 21, has led to 419 reported cases, including 53 deaths. Medical experts are concerned about the rapid progression of the disease, with most patients dying within 48 hours of showing symptoms.

Initial outbreak linked to bat consumption

The WHO's Africa office reported that the first outbreak occurred in the town of Boloko. It was linked to three children who ate a bat and later developed symptoms of hemorrhagic fever. All three died within 48 hours.

Concerns over animal-to-human disease transmission

Health officials have long warned about the risks of diseases spreading from animals to humans, particularly in regions where wild animals are consumed. The WHO noted in 2022 that such outbreaks in Africa have increased by over 60% in the past decade.

Second outbreak and ongoing investigations

A second outbreak of the unidentified illness was reported in the town of Bomate on February 9. The WHO stated that samples from 13 cases have been sent to the National Institute for Biomedical Research in Kinshasa for analysis.

Tests rule out common hemorrhagic fevers

Preliminary tests have ruled out Ebola and other hemorrhagic fevers like Marburg. Some patients have tested positive for malaria. Last year, another mystery illness that killed dozens in a different region of Congo was ultimately identified as likely malaria.

Authorities and health experts continue to investigate the cause of the current outbreak.

(Inputs from AP)