Mystery illness sweeps Africa, infects 419 and kills over 50 people in just hours: 'Really worrying'

After 5 years of COVID-19, a mysterious and deadly disease is spreading in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that has killed over 50 people within hours, as per doctors on the ground and the World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday.

According to an Associated Press report, the gap between the beginning of symptoms and death has been 48 hours in the majority of cases, which is the most worrying part. The doctors present on the ground have raised the alarm over a "really worrying" unknown deadly illness that has killed many in a matter of hours.

When did the outbreak begin?

The outbreak started on January 21, and 419 cases have been recorded so far, which include 53 deaths. Moreover, the WHO's Africa office has noted that the first outbreak took place in the town of Boloko after three children ate a bat and died within 48 hours.

The deceased reportedly experienced symptoms of hemorrhagic fever. On the other hand, the second outbreak of the unknown disease began in the town of Bomate on February 9.

The samples of 13 cases have been sent to the National Institute for Biomedical Research in Congo's capital, Kinshasa, for testing purposes, said the WHO.

Mysterious diseases jumping from animals to humans

The previous year, another mystery flu-like disease killed over a dozen in another part of Congo that was said to be likely malaria. However, the current unknown disease has raised concerns among experts, fearing diseases jumping from animals to human beings.

This is especially noted in places where wild animals are popularly consumed. Meanwhile, the number of such outbreaks has surged by over 60 per cent in Africa in the last decade, as per WHO.

On the other hand, the samples that have been negative for Ebola or another common hemorrhagic fever disease like Marburg, but some tested positive for malaria.

What are viral hemorrhagic fevers?

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, viral hemorrhagic fevers are diseases that are caused by several types of viruses. Some of these viruses cause mild disease while others lead to life-threatening conditions with no known cures to them, noted the report.

Viral hemorrhagic fevers are common in Africa, South America, and Asia, and one of the best-known of this group is yellow fever.

Viral hemorrhagic fevers are caused by viruses from 4 groups:

• Arenaviruses
• Filoviruses
• Bunyaviruses
• Flaviviruses

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