In northwestern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a mysterious illness has emerged, resulting in over 50 fatalities within hours of symptom onset. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that since the outbreak began on January 21, 2025, there have been 419 recorded cases, including 53 deaths.
Medical professionals are alarmed by the rapid progression of the disease. Serge Ngalebato, medical director of Bikoro Hospital, noted that the interval between initial symptoms and death is approximately 48 hours in most cases, describing this short duration as "really worrying."
The initial outbreak was traced to the town of Boloko, where three children consumed a bat and subsequently died within 48 hours, exhibiting symptoms consistent with hemorrhagic fever. A subsequent outbreak occurred in the town of Bomate on February 9. Samples from 13 affected individuals have been sent to the National Institute for Biomedical Research in Kinshasa for analysis. Tests have ruled out common hemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola and Marburg; however, some samples tested positive for malaria.
The WHO has observed an increase in zoonotic disease outbreaks in Africa, often linked to the consumption of wild animals. This trend underscores the need for heightened surveillance and preventive measures to address emerging infectious diseases.
Health authorities are intensifying efforts to identify the causative agent of this illness and implement appropriate control measures to prevent further spread. The situation remains under close observation as investigations continue.