04.03.2025 12:30
A disease outbreak has been occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since January, with the cause still undetermined. So far, 60 people have lost their lives due to the outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) is investigating the cause of the disease. Dr. Michael Ryan, the WHO's emergency director, stated that there are strong suspicions that the disease could be a type of poisoning.
In the northwestern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a mysterious disease that began in January has claimed the lives of 60 people so far. The outbreak, which has seen thousands of cases, is being urgently investigated by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Dr. Micheal Ryan, the WHO's emergency director, stated in a press release that there are strong suspicions that the deaths, particularly in the village of Bomate, may be linked to water poisoning. 98% of the disease cases and 86% of the deaths reported in the villages occurred in this area.
“It is clear that there is a type of poisoning at the center of the incident. We will continue our investigations until we find the real cause,” said Dr. Ryan, who has not yet made a statement on whether the poisoning was accidental or intentional.
Although patients tested positive for malaria, they are also showing some symptoms not seen in this disease: neck stiffness, nosebleeds, vomiting, and diarrhea. According to WHO reports, the outbreak began after several children died within 48 hours of eating bat meat. Before dying, the children exhibited symptoms of hemorrhagic fever similar to those of Ebola or Marburg viruses.
The region's difficult geographical structure hinders medical teams from intervening in a timely manner. As a result, many patients die before help arrives.
In addition to water poisoning, the WHO is also investigating other possibilities such as meningitis or exposure to chemicals. Experts emphasize that public health measures need to be increased, recalling that similar outbreaks have occurred in the region before.