Over 50 Dead in Congo as Mystery Illness Sparks Global Concern

The unidentified disease, suspected to be viral hemorrhagic fever, has rapidly spread across two remote villages in the DRC, with symptoms and fatalities raising alarm among health experts.

The outbreak began in January in Boloko village, where three children who ate a bat died within 48 hours, followed by additional cases in nearby Bomate village.
The illness has affected 431 people and caused 53 deaths, with nearly half the fatalities occurring within two days of symptom onset.
Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and internal bleeding, resembling viral hemorrhagic fevers like Ebola, though Ebola and Marburg have been ruled out through testing.
WHO and local health authorities are investigating potential zoonotic origins and other causes, while limited healthcare infrastructure and remote locations hinder containment efforts.
Experts warn of global risks due to potential disease spread through travel, emphasizing the need for vigilance, isolation protocols, and international support for DRC's response.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

The Sydney Morning Herald