Over 50 dead in Congo as mysterious illness spreads rapidly

(Web Desk): A mysterious and deadly illness in northwestern Congo has killed over 50 people in the last five weeks, spreading quickly and causing concern among health experts. The disease was first found in three children who ate a bat, and has since spread to other villages, infecting at least 419 people and causing 53 deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The illness causes severe symptoms, including fever, vomiting, internal bleeding, and rapid worsening of health, with most victims dying within 48 hours of getting sick. “The fast progression of symptoms is very worrying,” said Serge Ngalebato, medical director at Bikoro Hospital, the regional health center. “The number of deaths happening so quickly is concerning.”

While the symptoms are similar to known diseases like Ebola, Marburg, and yellow fever, the WHO has ruled out these illnesses after lab tests on samples. This leaves health officials trying to figure out if the disease is caused by a new, unknown virus or pathogen.

The outbreak, which began in Boloko, has already spread to nearby villages, including Bomate, where more cases were reported on February 9.