Mystery Illness in Congo Sickens Hundreds and Kills 53, Cause Remains Unknown

The outbreak in Équateur Province has overwhelmed local healthcare and raised concerns about potential spread to other regions.

A mysterious disease has caused 431 cases and 53 deaths in northwestern Democratic Republic of Congo since January 2025, with symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and hemorrhaging.
The outbreak began in Boloko Village, where three children who ate a bat carcass were among the first victims, and later spread to Bomate Village, where over 400 cases have been reported.
Tests have ruled out Ebola and Marburg viruses, with further investigations ongoing into potential causes such as malaria, typhoid fever, meningitis, or food and water contamination.
Nearly half of deaths in Bomate occurred within 48 hours of symptom onset, and the disease's rapid progression has heightened concerns about a severe infectious or toxic agent.
The World Health Organization has deployed resources to the region, citing the urgent need for laboratory testing, improved case management, and stronger containment efforts.