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25/02/25 – A mysterious illness has claimed the lives of over 50 people in northwestern Congo, with medical experts and the World Health Organization (WHO) expressing deep concern over its rapid progression from symptom onset to death.
Dr. Serge Ngalebato, medical director of Bikoro Hospital, a key regional monitoring center, stated that in most cases, death has occurred within 48 hours of symptom onset. “That’s what’s really worrying,” he told The Associated Press.
The outbreak, which began on January 21, has recorded 419 cases, including 53 fatalities. According to WHO’s Africa office, the first known outbreak emerged in the town of Boloko, where three children reportedly died after consuming a bat. Their symptoms included severe hemorrhagic fever, a hallmark of some of the deadliest viral infections.
There is growing concern about zoonotic diseases—those that jump from animals to humans—especially in regions where wild animals are frequently consumed. The WHO previously reported a 60% surge in such outbreaks in Africa over the past decade.
A second outbreak was reported in the town of Bomate on February 9. In response, samples from 13 affected individuals were sent to the National Institute for Biomedical Research in Kinshasa for analysis. Initial results have ruled out Ebola and other common hemorrhagic fevers such as Marburg. Some patients, however, tested positive for malaria.
This is not the first time Congo has faced an unidentified health crisis. Last year, a similar flu-like illness resulted in multiple deaths before being attributed to a severe malaria outbreak.
Health officials continue to investigate the cause of this latest outbreak and are urging caution in affected regions.
Disclaimer: This article is based on currently available information and ongoing investigations. Medical experts and health authorities are actively monitoring the situation, and further updates may refine or alter the understanding of this outbreak. Readers are advised to follow official health guidance from the WHO and local authorities.
