Mystery Illness Kills over 50 in the Democratic Republic of Congo

In recent weeks, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been struggling with two clusters of an enigmatic disease that have left more than 50 people dead. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of February 16, 2025, there were 431 cases and 53 deaths from two outbreaks in distant villages in different zones of Equateur province. ^[1]

The first outbreak was noted on January 21 in Boloko village, Bolomba health zone. This outbreak was attributed to three children under five who died after eating a bat carcass. They first presented with fever and weakness, then hemorrhagic manifestations, including nosebleeds and vomiting blood. Further cases in the same village and surrounding Dondo had the same symptoms. Laboratory investigations at the end of January excluded Ebola and Marburg viruses as etiologic agents.

A second, larger outbreak occurred on February 13 in Bomate village, Basankusu health zone. This cluster has produced 419 cases and 45 deaths, with almost half of the deaths occurring within 48 hours of symptom onset. Patients have had symptoms such as fever, pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Initial tests again eliminated Ebola and Marburg viruses. Other possibilities, including malaria, food poisoning, typhoid, meningitis, and other viral hemorrhagic fevers, are under investigation by the health teams.

The rapid spread and high mortality of the disease have been a public health concern. WHO representative Tarik Jasarevic highlighted the emergency nature of the situation, observing that the outbreaks represent a high risk, considering the restricted surveillance capacity and health infrastructure of the affected villages.

The DRC has a history of zoonotic disease outbreaks, often linked to the consumption of bushmeat. The initial cases in Boloko village, where children fell ill after eating a bat, highlight the potential for animal-to-human transmission. The WHO has noted a 60% increase in diseases jumping from animals to humans in Africa over the past decade, underscoring the need for heightened surveillance and preventive measures.

Previous Outbreaks and Ongoing Challenges

In December 2024, the DRC experienced a second outbreak of an undiagnosed disease in the Panzi health zone, Kwango Province. There were 406 cases and 31 deaths during this outbreak, with symptoms including fever, headache, cough, runny nose, and body pains. Although the initial fear was of a new pathogen, subsequent studies indicated that the disease was possibly caused by acute respiratory infections overlaid by malaria. ^[2]

The recent Equateur province outbreaks have triggered an immediate response by local health agencies and the international community. Efforts to deliver medical assistance to the sick are underway, diagnostic capacity has been increased, and steps toward containment are being taken. Nonetheless, the definitive etiology is not yet established, and a direct association between the two clusters has yet to be found.

This situation is further compounded by the DRC's continuous struggle against other infectious diseases. Since September 2023, the nation has been experiencing a serious Mpox epidemic, with more than 29,000 suspected cases and over 800 reported deaths as of 2024. The outbreak was triggered by a new clade Ib variant of the Mpox virus, which has mostly impacted Central African countries, including the DRC.

Until investigations unfold, health officials are calling upon the public to take precautions, especially regarding the consumption of bushmeat, and to report any unusual symptoms to medical workers immediately.

References

1. World Health Organization (WHO). (2024, December 8). Undiagnosed disease – Democratic Republic of the Congo.Retrieved from https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2024-DON546

2. Wikipedia. (2025). 2023–2025 mpox epidemic. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%932025_mpox_epidemic
   

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Pragati Sakhuja/MSM)