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An unidentified disease with Ebola like symptoms has claimed the lives of more than 50 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), most within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Initial analysis carried out suggested that the cause is neither Ebola nor Marburg.
According to World Health Organisation (WHO) the mysterious disease was first detected on the 21st of January and over the past five weeks has affected. According to the statistics, more than 50 people in the Northwest of the country have died. Health officials are yet to determine the real cause of the deadly disease, however they have raise possibilities of malaria, hemorrhagic fevers, food or waterborne poisoning, typhoid fever, and meningitis.
By Gamuchirai Mapako
In late 2024, the DRC’s southwestern province of Kwango was also hit by a “mysterious disease“, which was later identified as severe malaria aggravated by malnutrition. A government report was issued in January 2025 stating that 2,774 cases and 77 deaths were recorded.
There is an already existing dire humanitarian crisis in the DRC, the current escalating armed conflict in the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces and the new diseases has worsened the situation. Reports of looting, attacks on aid workers, and road blockages were made pointing out the severe disruption relief efforts.
The WHO emphasised that improved public health surveillance is still necessary to stop future crises from getting worse and called for quick action to secure humanitarian access, rebuilding of vital infrastructure, and guaranteeing the supply of food and medical supplies.
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