Unknown disease kills more than 50 people in Congo—WHO
An unknown disease has killed more than 50 people in northwestern Congo over the past five weeks.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently investigating the outbreak of an unknown illness in one region within the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to reports from international outlets like The Washington Post, AP News, and ABC News.
The WHO office in the Africa region said the outbreak started in the Boloko village, where three children—all aged under five—died within 48 hours. Reports stated that they "had consumed a bat carcass" before experiencing signs and symptoms, which include fever, pain, neck stiffness, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The unknown disease has recorded 431 cases with 53 deaths as of Feb. 15, per WHO.
The latest outbreak was in Bomate village in Equateur's Basankusu health zone on Feb. 13, where 45 people died out of 419 cases. The WHO reported that almost half of the deaths occurred within 48 hours of exhibiting symptoms.
The rapid rise in cases within days “poses a significant public health threat," per the agency.
Per ABC News, the term "unknown disease" mainly means that it "has not yet been identified."
The WHO said the exact cause of the unknown illness is yet to be determined. The health group has tested specimens from 13 cases, including 12 blood samples from active cases and one swab from a deceased individual, which tested negative for Ebola and Marburg.
The agency is investigating other potential causes, like viral hemorrhagic fever, food or water poisoning, typhoid fever, and meningitis.
“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,” WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic said in a press briefing on Tuesday, Feb. 25, noting similar outbreaks in the past.
Local health authorities are now working with partners to assess the situation and plan response actions, including case investigations and active case searches in affected areas.
