Deadly Unknown Illness Spreads in Northwest DRC, Killing Over 50 People

A deadly unknown illness has spread rapidly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), claiming more than 50 lives within just five weeks. The outbreak, first detected in three children who ate a bat, has affected remote villages in Équateur province, causing concern among health experts and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Fast-Spreading Outbreak Raises Alarm

According to WHO, as of February 16, 2025, there have been 431 cases and 53 deaths linked to two outbreaks in the region. The rapid spread of the disease, combined with its severe symptoms, has raised significant concerns about public health safety in the affected areas.

Initial Cases Traced to Bat Consumption

The outbreak was first detected in Boloko village in Bolomba health zone, where three children under five years old fell ill and later died. Reports suggest that the children had eaten a dead bat, leading health officials to suspect a possible link between bat consumption and the disease.

Shortly after, other residents of Boloko and the nearby Dondo village began exhibiting similar symptoms. By January 21, WHO confirmed 12 cases and 8 deaths in this cluster.

Symptoms and Rapid Disease Progression

Medical professionals report that patients experience severe symptoms, including:

• High fever
• Vomiting
• Internal bleeding
• Fatigue
• Nosebleeds
• Vomiting blood

One of the most alarming aspects of the disease is the short interval between symptom onset and death, often occurring within 48 hours. This rapid deterioration has made it difficult for healthcare workers to respond effectively.

Second Outbreak in Bomate Village Worsens Crisis

A second outbreak was confirmed on February 13 in Bomate village, Basankusu health zone. This outbreak has been even more severe, with 419 reported cases and 45 deaths. WHO has classified the situation as a major public health emergency, as the disease continues to spread quickly.

Dr. Serge Ngalebato, medical director at Bikoro hospital, expressed deep concern about the situation, stating that the disease's speed and severity are unlike anything seen in recent years.

Cause of the Illness Still Unknown

Despite ongoing investigations, the exact cause of the illness remains a mystery. Samples from 13 patients have tested negative for both Ebola and Marburg virus, two diseases known for causing hemorrhagic fever.

WHO and local health officials are now investigating other possible causes, including:

• Malaria
• Food poisoning
• Typhoid fever
• Meningitis

Other viral hemorrhagic fevers

As of now, there is no confirmed connection between the Bomate and Boloko outbreaks. This has led experts to consider the possibility of different sources or an environmental factor affecting both locations.

Limited Healthcare Facilities Hindering Response

One of the biggest challenges in controlling the outbreak is the lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure in the affected villages. Many of these remote areas have limited medical supplies, insufficient healthcare personnel, and poor disease surveillance systems.

WHO has urged international health agencies and governments to assist in containing the outbreak before it escalates further.

Similar Cases in the Past

This is not the first time the DRC has witnessed a mysterious disease outbreak. In December 2024, another unknown illness was reported but was later identified as a severe malaria outbreak. Health authorities fear that if this latest outbreak is left unchecked, it could have devastating consequences for the region.

Urgent Need for Testing and Medical Assistance

Health officials stress the need for immediate action, including:

• Increased testing to determine the cause of the disease
• Medical support teams to provide emergency care
• Strict monitoring and quarantine measures
• Public awareness campaigns to educate locals on preventive measures

WHO's Efforts to Control the Outbreak

WHO spokesperson Tarik Jašarević stated that the organization is working closely with local health teams to assess the situation. WHO is also preparing to provide emergency medical aid once the disease's origin is determined.

“We are looking into whether it is an infection or if a toxic agent is involved. Similar outbreaks have occurred in the past, and we need to analyze all possible causes,” Jašarević said.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Further Spread?

Given the high fatality rate and rapid progression of symptoms, early detection and containment are crucial. Health officials advise the following precautions:

Avoid consuming wild animals, especially bats, as they are known carriers of dangerous viruses.

Report symptoms immediately to the nearest health facility.

Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing and avoiding contact with infected individuals.

Follow guidelines issued by local health authorities to reduce the risk of transmission.

A Race Against Time

The unknown illness in northwest DRC has already claimed over 50 lives and infected hundreds more. With the exact cause still unknown, healthcare professionals face an urgent challenge in preventing further spread and loss of life.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation, and WHO continues its investigations. As the world awaits answers, the priority remains saving lives and stopping the disease before it turns into a larger crisis.

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This information is sourced from The Guardian