WHO Probes Deadly Mystery Illness in DR Congo as Death Toll Hits 60

A mysterious illness sweeping through western DR Congo has left experts searching for answers as the death toll rises. With symptoms ranging from fever and muscle aches to severe bleeding, fear is spreading among communities. The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched an urgent investigation to determine the cause before it spirals into a larger health crisis.

A Growing Crisis in DR Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is no stranger to health emergencies, but the latest outbreak has raised alarms worldwide. In January, 12 people in the Bolamba zone fell ill, with eight losing their lives. Just weeks later, Basankusu zone reported 158 cases and 58 deaths. By last week, another 141 people became sick, though no new deaths were reported.

So far, more than 1,000 people have been affected, with 60 fatalities across both zones. The symptoms are wide-ranging and alarming: fever, chills, muscle and joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, bleeding from the nose. While the outbreak remains unexplained, scientists are racing against time to determine if this is a new, emerging disease or a deadly mix of existing infections.

Ruling Out the Worst—But What’s Next?

One of the biggest fears was that this could be another outbreak of Ebola or Marburg virus—both of which have devastated parts of Africa in the past. However, initial tests for these deadly viruses have come back negative. Instead, about half of the samples tested positive for malaria, while others are being examined for typhoid fever and meningitis.

WHO experts and local health teams are on the ground, conducting interviews, monitoring cases, and expanding their tests. They are also analyzing food, water, and environmental samples to check for possible contamination.

“This outbreak, as well as previous outbreaks in the DRC, are of significance to the rest of the world,” said Zania Stamataki, a viral immunology expert from the University of Birmingham. “We need to keep a close eye on this and assist with diagnosis and treatment.”

The Bigger Picture: A Health System Under Strain

The DRC is already struggling with multiple crises, including ongoing outbreaks of cholera, measles, and monkeypox. With limited healthcare infrastructure and resources, each new disease outbreak puts an overwhelming strain on medical teams and the local population.

In many cases, these illnesses are worsened by malnutrition, lack of clean water, and poor sanitation. Experts warn that even if this outbreak is caused by a combination of known diseases like malaria or meningitis, it could still have devastating consequences if not controlled quickly.

Amanda Rojek, from Oxford University’s Pandemic Sciences Institute, noted that outbreaks like this are often a mix of multiple infections. “One disease might explain all cases, but we frequently see situations where there is a combination of more common illnesses contributing to case numbers,” she explained.

What Happens Next?

For now, WHO teams will continue their investigation, while health officials work to provide treatment to those affected. The world is watching closely, hoping that answers come before the situation worsens.

One thing is clear—this is a race against time, and the people of DR Congo need help before this mystery illness becomes the next global health threat.