Unidentified Illness in Congo Claims Over 50 Lives, Investigations Ongoing

Outbreaks in two remote villages have left health officials scrambling to determine the cause and prevent further spread.

At least 53 deaths and 431 cases have been reported in two villages in Congo's Equateur province since January 21, 2025.
The outbreaks, separated by over 190 kilometers, show no confirmed link, and the cause of the illness remains unknown.
Key symptoms include fever, chills, diarrhea, and body aches, with many deaths occurring within 48 hours of symptom onset.
Initial tests ruled out Ebola and Marburg, with further investigations exploring potential causes like malaria, food poisoning, or meningitis.
Remote locations and weak healthcare infrastructure are complicating response efforts, prompting calls for urgent action from the WHO and local authorities.