Unknown Illness Kills Over 50 People in Northwestern Congo with Hours Between Symptoms and Death
Outbreak Spreads Rapidly in Democratic Republic of Congo
An unknown illness has claimed the lives of over 50 people in northwestern Congo, with the interval between onset of symptoms and death being as short as 48 hours in the majority of cases. According to doctors on the ground and the World Health Organization (WHO), the outbreak began on January 21, with 419 cases reported, including 53 deaths.
Bat Connection Raises Concerns of Disease Transmission
The first outbreak in the town of Boloko began after three children ate a bat and died within 48 hours following hemorrhagic fever symptoms. This incident has raised concerns about diseases jumping from animals to humans, a phenomenon that has been increasingly reported in Africa. In the last decade, the number of such outbreaks has surged by more than 60%, according to the WHO.
WHO Investigates, Sends Samples for Further Testing
Samples from 13 cases have been sent to the National Institute for Biomedical Research in Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, for testing. While some of these samples have tested positive for malaria, others have been negative for Ebola and other common hemorrhagic fever diseases. The WHO is working to identify the cause of the outbreak and provide necessary support to affected communities.
Similar Mystery Illness Last Year in Another Part of Congo
In a similar incident, a mystery flu-like illness killed dozens of people in another part of Congo last year. After an investigation, it was determined that the illness was likely caused by malaria.
Conclusion
The rapid spread of the unknown illness in northwestern Congo has left healthcare officials scrambling to contain the outbreak. The short interval between symptoms and death is a significant concern, and the WHO is working to identify the cause of the disease. In the meantime, the public is urged to take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the illness.
FAQs
* What is the current number of cases and deaths reported in the outbreak?
+ 419 cases, 53 deaths
* What is the interval between onset of symptoms and death in most cases?
+ 48 hours
* What is the suspected origin of the disease?
+ Eating a bat
* What is the current status of testing and investigation?
+ Samples are being sent to the National Institute for Biomedical Research in Kinshasa for further testing
* What is the suspected cause of a similar mystery illness reported last year in another part of Congo?
+ Malaria
