Mysterious Illness Kills 50 in Congo

A deadly unidentified illness has taken the lives of over 50 people in northwestern Congo, with victims deteriorating and dying within just hours of showing symptoms, the World Health Organization reports. The outbreak, which emerged in January, has now affected at least 419 individuals.

Medical personnel describe a swift progression of symptoms including fever, vomiting, and internal bleeding, with most patients dying within 48 hours. Initial testing has eliminated Ebola, Marburg, and yellow fever as causes, though some samples have indicated malaria.

The outbreak reportedly began with three children in Boloko who died after eating a bat. This aligns with growing concerns from health experts about zoonotic diseases, which are becoming increasingly common across Africa. WHO officials continue to closely monitor the developing situation.