A lethal and enigmatic illness dubbed the “mystery crying disease” has ravaged communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), killing at least 60 people—mostly children—and infecting over 1,000 others, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) alert confirmed by CWEB. The outbreak, concentrated in western Congo, has baffled health experts as initial tests ruled out Ebola, Marburg virus, and hemorrhagic fevers. At the same time, nearly half of the cases showed co-infections with malaria.
Symptoms and Rapid Fatality
Victims, particularly children under five, exhibited alarming symptoms: relentless crying, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, severe body aches, and intense thirst. Most fatalities occurred within 48 hours of symptom onset, raising urgent concerns about the disease’s virulence. Dr. Serge Ngalebato, medical director at Bikoro Hospital, described the crisis as “unusual,” stressing that the dual outbreaks in Bokolo and a village 120 miles away present distinct challenges.
Dual Outbreaks, Conflicting Clues
The first cases emerged on January 21 in Bokolo, where three children died shortly after consuming wild bat meat—a common practice in remote regions. However, a second cluster erupted miles away with no clear link to bushmeat, complicating efforts to pinpoint a source. While malaria co-infections dominated the second outbreak, the primary driver of deaths remains unidentified.
WHO Investigates Toxic vs. Infectious Origins
WHO teams are analyzing samples to determine if the illness stems from a toxin or a novel pathogen. A spokesperson confirmed that toxicology studies are underway, alongside screenings for rare infections. “We cannot dismiss either possibility yet,” the spokesperson stated, urging communities to avoid bushmeat and seek immediate care for symptoms.
Global Health Alert
The outbreak’s rapid spread and high mortality rate have triggered international vigilance. Health agencies emphasize the need for containment measures, though travel restrictions are not yet advised. Local clinics face resource shortages, exacerbating patient treatment challenges and isolating cases.
As investigations continue, Congolese health workers and global experts race to unravel the mystery before more lives are lost. CWEB will provide updates as new details emerge.
CWEB Contributing Journalist | April 2025
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