Unknown Illness Kills More than 50 People in Northwestern Congo
Outbreak Details
An unknown illness has killed more than 50 people in northwestern Congo, according to doctors on the ground and the World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday. The interval between the onset of symptoms and death has been 48 hours in the majority of cases, and “that’s what’s really worrying,” Serge Ngalebato, medical director of Bikoro Hospital, a regional monitoring center, told The Associated Press.
Background
The latest disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo began on January 21, and 419 cases have been recorded, including 53 deaths. The first outbreak in the town of Boloko began after three children ate a bat and died within 48 hours following hemorrhagic fever symptoms.
Causes and Concerns
There have long been concerns about diseases jumping from animals to humans in places where wild animals are popularly eaten. The number of such outbreaks in Africa has surged by more than 60% in the last decade, the WHO said in 2022.
Testing and Diagnosis
After the second outbreak of the current mystery disease began in the town of Bomate on February 9, samples from 13 cases have been sent to the National Institute for Biomedical Research in Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, for testing, the WHO said. All samples have been negative for Ebola or other common hemorrhagic fever diseases like Marburg. Some tested positive for malaria.
Comparison to Previous Outbreaks
Last year, another mystery flu-like illness that killed dozens of people in another part of Congo was determined to be likely malaria.
Conclusion
The unknown illness in northwestern Congo has killed more than 50 people, highlighting the need for swift and effective action to contain the outbreak. The interval between symptoms and death is a major concern, and further research is needed to determine the cause of the illness.
FAQs
* What is the current death toll from the unknown illness in northwestern Congo?
+ More than 50 people
* When did the latest disease outbreak begin?
+ January 21
* What is the average interval between the onset of symptoms and death?
+ 48 hours
* What is the current status of testing and diagnosis?
+ Samples are being sent to the National Institute for Biomedical Research in Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, for testing, with all samples negative for Ebola or other common hemorrhagic fever diseases like Marburg. Some tested positive for malaria.
