The World Health Organization (WHO) has offered an explanation for the recent surge in unexplained deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo, suggesting that more than 60 victims may have died from a “toxic type event” related to a water source. According to Mike Ryan, head of emergencies at WHO, the investigation is ongoing and focusing on protecting the vulnerable population.
The first reported cases were among several children who ate a bat and then died within 48 hours after experiencing hemorrhagic fever symptoms, similar to those caused by Ebola or Marburg viruses. However, test results have shown that half of the samples tested positive for malaria, ruling out these other diseases as the cause.
WHO officials are conducting further tests, including looking at the possibility of meningitis and testing food, water, and environmental samples from the affected region. The agency is also increasing disease surveillance and treatment for other diseases such as malaria, meningitis, and typhoid fever.
The remoteness of the affected areas and Congo’s limited national health system have contributed to the challenges in diagnosing and containing the illness. A regional health team arrived in the Basankusu health zone on February 16, joined by a national rapid response team from the Ministry of Health and two WHO epidemiologists.
Sarah Olsen, director of Health Research at the Wildlife Conservation Society, warned that outbreaks of diseases like Ebola and the mysterious one killing people in northern Congo have become the new normal, emphasizing the need for global vigilance to prevent potential pandemics.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/congo-mystery-disease-deaths-who-investigation-deepens