An outbreak of an unknown illness in the northwest of the Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in over 50 deaths and 419 reported cases since it began on January 21. Medical professionals express concern due to the rapid onset of symptoms leading to death within just 48 hours. The WHO is investigating samples that tested negative for Ebola and similar diseases, with some showing malaria. This alarming situation follows a surge in animal-borne diseases in Africa, escalating awareness of zoonotic disease transmission.
The interval between the onset of symptoms and death has been just 48 hours in the majority of cases, and 'that's what's really worrying,' Serge Ngalebato, medical director of Bikoro Hospital, told The Associated Press on Monday.
According to the WHO's Africa office, the first outbreak in the town of Boloko began after three children ate a bat and died within 48 hours following hemorrhagic fever symptoms.
The number of such outbreaks in Africa has surged by more than 60% in the last decade, the WHO said in 2022.
Congo has suffered from many disease outbreaks in recent years, including typhoid, malaria and anemia.
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