Congo Illness has claimed over 50 lives in just five weeks, spreading rapidly after three children ate a bat. Victims suffer severe symptoms, including fever, vomiting, and internal bleeding, as medical experts rush to find answers.
Fast-Spreading Fatal Disease
Medical experts are alarmed as symptoms progress to death in just 48 hours. Serge Ngalebato, the medical director of Bikoro Hospital, called the rapid progression of the disease “deeply concerning.”
Congo’s National Institute for Biomedical Research in Kinshasa received samples from 13 cases for testing. Surprisingly, the results have ruled out well-known hemorrhagic fever viruses like Ebola, Marburg, yellow fever, and dengue. However, some samples tested positive for malaria.
Origin of the Outbreak
The outbreak was first identified on January 21, 2025, in the village of Boloko. Reports indicate it began after three children consumed a bat. All three died within 48 hours, marking the first recorded cases. The second outbreak started on February 9, 2025, in the village of Bomate.
Risks of Zoonotic Diseases in Africa
Health professionals caution that zoonotic diseases—diseases that infect humans—are becoming more prevalent in Africa. According to earlier reports from the World Health Organization (WHO), epidemics caused by animal-to-human transmission have increased by more than 60% in the past ten years.
Similarities to Past Outbreaks
Last year, hundreds of people were killed by a similar mysterious flu-like virus that surfaced in another part of the Congo. Officials concluded that malaria was the reason after an inquiry. Although researchers need to conduct further studies, this raises fears of a possible connection to the current outbreak.
What Happens Next?
The WHO Africa office is closely monitoring the situation. Researchers are conducting more trials to determine the cause and halt the spread. For the time being, doctors recommend strict hygiene procedures and careful monitoring to minimize risks.
Source: CNN
