The mysterious epidemic caused 53 people to die in Congo

On February 25, Dr. Serge Ngalebato, Health Director of Bikoro Hospital, said most of the infection died in 48 hours after symptoms appeared. He judged this as a “worrying situation”. The outbreak started from January 21 until now, with 419 cases recorded, of which 53 people died.

According to the WHO office in Africa, the first outbreak in Boloko town began after three children ate bat meat and died within 48 hours with symptoms of dengue. Currently, officials continue to investigate the cause, no official conclusions.

For a long time, experts have expressed concerns about infectious pathogens from animals to humans, especially in places where people consume wildlife meat. According to WHO, by 2022, the number of outbreaks in Africa increased by more than 60%.

The new disease in Congo is also divided into two waves. The second batch began in the town of Bomate on February 9. Hospitals have sent 13 samples to the National Biomedical Research Institute in Congo’s Kinshasa capital for testing.

All samples are negative for Ebola or other common dengue fevers like Marburg. Some positive test samples with malaria.

Last year, Congo recorded a mysterious disease like another flu, killing dozens of people. The disease is later determined to be malaria.