An unknown illness has claimed the lives of over 50 people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the past five weeks. This mysterious disease was first identified in three children who had consumed bat meat. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of February 16, there have been 431 reported cases and 53 deaths across two outbreaks in remote villages within Equateur Province.
In most cases, the time between the onset of symptoms and death has been as short as 48 hours. Serge Ngalebato, the medical director of Bikoro Hospital, a regional monitoring center, described the disease’s rapid fatality as "really worrying."
What are the symptoms of this mysterious disease?
The initial symptoms include fever, vomiting, and internal bleeding. Health authorities have later confirmed additional symptoms, such as diarrhea, body aches, intense thirst, and joint pain. Some reports also indicate that children who succumbed to the illness experienced incessant crying, nosebleeds, and vomited blood.
Tests on more than a dozen samples have ruled out known deadly viruses such as Ebola, dengue, Marburg, and yellow fever as the cause of these "hemorrhagic fever" symptoms. However, the exact origin and nature of the disease remain unidentified.
A WHO spokesperson stated, "We are looking into whether it is another infection or whether it is some toxic agent. We have to see what can be done and at what point WHO can support."
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
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