Unidentified Disease in Congo Claims Over 50 Lives as Investigations Continue

The outbreak, linked to bat consumption, has infected hundreds and remains undiagnosed, raising concerns about its rapid spread and lethality.

Since January 21, 431 suspected cases and 53 deaths have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with symptoms resembling hemorrhagic fevers like Ebola and Marburg.
The disease's rapid progression, with deaths occurring within 48 hours of symptom onset, has alarmed health officials and prompted urgent investigations.
Initial cases in Boloko village were linked to three children who died after consuming a bat carcass, but the exact cause of the illness remains undetermined.
Tests have ruled out common pathogens such as Ebola, Marburg, and yellow fever, though some cases tested positive for malaria, complicating the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has called for immediate intervention, citing the remote location and fragile healthcare infrastructure as factors increasing the risk of further spread.