A deadly, unidentified illness has rapidly spread in northwestern Congo, killing more than 50 people in the past five weeks. The disease was first detected in three children who had eaten a bat and later died. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, and internal bleeding, with most victims succumbing within 48 hours. Medical experts, including Serge Ngalebato, the director of Bikoro Hospital, have expressed serious concerns over the rapid progression of the disease.
Rapidly Spreading Outbreak Sparks Concern Over Zoonotic Diseases and Malaria Connection
The outbreak began on January 21 in the village of Boloko and has since led to 419 recorded cases and 53 deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that the first cases were linked to the three children who consumed the bat.
There have long been warnings about the risks of zoonotic diseases—illnesses transmitted from animals to humans—especially in regions where wild animals are commonly consumed as food. According to WHO reports from 2022, such outbreaks in Africa have surged by over 60% in the past decade.
Deadly Unknown Illness Spreads in Congo, Killing Over 50 as Experts Seek AnswersA second outbreak was reported in the village of Bomate on February 9, further intensifying concerns. Health officials collected samples from 13 cases and sent them to the National Institute for Biomedical Research in Kinshasa for analysis. While the samples tested negative for known hemorrhagic fever viruses, including Ebola, Marburg, dengue, and yellow fever, some tested positive for malaria. Despite this, experts remain unsure whether malaria alone is responsible for the high fatality rate and rapid transmission.
Unidentified Illness Puzzles Experts, Raising Fears of a Worsening Health Crisis
The inability to link the illness to any known virus has complicated response efforts. Hemorrhagic fever symptoms typically indicate severe viral infections, but with common causes ruled out, health officials are struggling to identify the source of the outbreak. The lack of a clear diagnosis makes it difficult to develop treatment protocols or containment strategies, increasing fears of further spread.
This is not the first time Congo has faced a mysterious illness. In 2023, another flu-like disease killed dozens in a different region, later suspected to be malaria. The ongoing outbreak highlights the persistent threat of emerging diseases in Africa, particularly those linked to wildlife consumption. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the illness and to develop effective treatment measures before it spreads further.