05.09.2025 01:38
A mysterious outbreak has emerged in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, characterized particularly by eye and nose bleeding. Eight individuals who were hospitalized with symptoms such as high fever, internal bleeding, and severe weakness quickly lost their lives. Initially suspected to be Ebola, the cases were re-evaluated for the possibility of the Marburg virus after samples were sent to the laboratory.
In the African country of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a new outbreak concern has arisen following the deaths of 8 individuals showing Ebola-like symptoms. Experts are evaluating that the cases may indicate the deadly Marburg virus, while a rapidly spreading cholera outbreak in the same region has also alarmed international health organizations.
INITIAL SUSPICION OF EBOLA, LAB TESTS INDICATE MARBURG
The cases were detected in the city of Mweka, located in the Kasai region in the southwest of the country. Eight individuals, who were hospitalized with symptoms such as high fever, internal bleeding, and severe weakness, died shortly after. Initially suspected of Ebola, the cases began to be evaluated for the possibility of the Marburg virus following laboratory tests of the samples sent.
MANIFESTING WITH EYE AND NOSE BLEEDING
The Marburg virus, which belongs to the same family as Ebola, causes severe internal bleeding in infected individuals. The disease, which particularly manifests with eye and nose bleeding, has started to be referred to as "the eye bleeding disease" among the public. Due to its high contagiousness and mortality rate, there is significant panic among the local population.
CHOLERA OUTBREAK IS ALSO SPREADING
In addition to the suspicion of Marburg, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a significant increase in cholera cases in the region. In 2025, the number of reported cholera cases worldwide exceeded 400,000 across 31 countries, with nearly 5,000 deaths. Among the most affected countries are Chad, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and Sudan. The WHO reported that the cholera-related mortality rates in these countries have risen above 1%.
OUTBREAK MAY CROSS BORDERS
Experts point out that conflicts in the region, mass migration movements, lack of hygiene, and difficulties in accessing clean water facilitate the spread of outbreaks. The WHO warned that under current conditions, both Marburg and cholera cases could gain an international dimension.
WHO RECOMMENDS URGENT INTERVENTION
Although there is currently no travel ban imposed on the region, health authorities state that individuals traveling to these countries should exercise caution. The WHO has recommended the following urgent intervention steps to control the outbreaks:
- Provision of clean water and improvement of hygiene conditions
- Rapid initiation of vaccination campaigns
- Increased health cooperation among regional countries
- Strengthening early diagnosis and effective treatment infrastructure