A mysterious illness killed more than 50 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with most victims dying within 48 hours of showing symptoms, health officials reported on Monday.
The outbreak, first reported on January 21, has resulted in 419 cases and 53 deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified it as a significant public health threat, citing concerns over its rapid progression and fatality rate.
Suspected origin and early cases
Authorities believe the outbreak started in the town of Boloko, where three children reportedly ate a dead bat. The children developed severe symptoms and died within two days.
Medical experts suspect the illness is a form of hemorrhagic fever, which can cause fever, internal bleeding, headaches, and joint pain. “That’s what’s really worrying,” said Serge Ngalebato, medical director of Bikoro Hospital in the DRC, referring to the disease’s speed and severity.
Ebola, one of the most well-known hemorrhagic fevers, has not been detected in this outbreak, according to initial testing.
New cases, ongoing investigations
A second wave of cases emerged in the town of Bomate on Feb. 9. Authorities have tested samples from 13 patients, all of which returned negative results for Ebola and Marburg virus. However, some samples tested positive for malaria.
The WHO reports that the fatality rate of the illness is 12.3%, significantly higher than the early fatality rate of COVID-19. Experts warn that the outbreak could spread further due to the region’s remote location and fragile healthcare system.
Another mystery disease has killed more than 50 people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) just hours after symptoms began.
The World Health Organization and doctors in the DRC said that the time between symptom onset and death was just 48 hours in most cases.
The… pic.twitter.com/1uOjtlzRkj
— gutsyPetr70 (@Petr70G) February 25, 2025
“A significant public health threat,” a WHO said.
Recurring health crises in the DRC
The outbreak comes just months after another deadly illness, dubbed “Disease X,” killed 143 people in the DRC last year. Experts later identified it as a severe respiratory form of malaria.
Malaria remains a significant health threat in the DRC, affecting 30 million people annually. In 2022, nearly 25,000 people died from the disease, making the country the second-most affected by malaria worldwide, behind Nigeria.
The DRC is also battling an ongoing Mpox outbreak, with more than 47,000 suspected cases and over 1,000 suspected deaths, according to the WHO.
Global implications
Dr. Stephanie Psaki, a public health expert, expressed concerns that the lack of global cooperation could allow deadly viruses like Marburg and Ebola to spread beyond Africa. The best way to protect Americans “is to stop it at its source,” she said. Marburg, a highly fatal virus with no vaccine or treatment, causes severe bleeding from the eyes, ears, and mouth.
Efforts to contain the outbreak
WHO officials and local health workers will continue investigating the DRC outbreak. More testing is underway to determine the cause of the illness.
Authorities urge caution in handling wild animals, as disease transmission from animals to humans has risen by 60% in Africa over the last decade.
The situation remains critical as health officials work to prevent further deaths and contain the spread.
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