Mysterious ‘Crying’ Disease Is Claiming Lives In Hours, 400 Cases Reported–Doctors Warn Of These Symptoms

A deadly and mysterious illness has gripped the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), leaving health officials struggling to identify its cause. Since January 21, more than 400 people have fallen sick, and 53 have died. The World Health Organization (WHO) has called the outbreak a "significant public health threat," urging urgent action to prevent further spread.

Outbreak Spreads Rapidly

The outbreak first appeared in the northwestern Equateur Province, particularly in the village of Boloko. Early reports suggest that the disease may have originated from people consuming bat remains, which is a reminder of past outbreaks like Ebola. However, the illness has since spread to Bomate, a village over 120 miles away, raising concerns about its rapid transmission.

Despite thorough testing, scientists have ruled out known deadly viruses such as Ebola and Marburg. The disease's fast spread and high death rate are worrying, with nearly half of the deaths occurring within just 48 hours of the first symptoms appearing. Health officials are still investigating other possible causes, including malaria, typhoid fever, and meningitis.

Symptoms Of The Mysterious ‘Crying’ DiseaseThe symptoms of this mysterious disease include:

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Muscle aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue

At first, doctors suspected the disease to be a type of hemorrhagic fever, but laboratory tests proved otherwise. With the cause still unknown, experts are racing against time to find answers before the illness spreads further.

Reason Behind Outbreak

Some experts believe the outbreak may be linked to wildlife consumption and Congo's dense rainforests, which are home to many dangerous viruses. Gabriel Nsakala, a professor of public health at Congo’s National Pedagogical University, pointed out that many deadly viruses originate from forest environments.

"As long as we have these forests, we will always have epidemics with viruses that mutate," Nsakala said. This theory aligns with previous outbreaks where zoonotic diseases—those that jump from animals to humans—led to severe health crises.

WHO’s Response

Health officials from the WHO and local agencies are working together to investigate the outbreak and provide support. Over the past few months, similar clusters of unexplained illnesses and deaths have been reported in different areas of the country, leading to fears of a wider crisis.

Recent reports show that:

• In the Basankusu health zone, 141 new cases were reported last week, though no deaths occurred.
• In February, the same area saw 158 cases and 58 deaths.
• In January, the Bolamba health zone reported 12 cases, with 8 deaths.

Health experts arrived in the affected villages on February 14 to assess the situation, set up monitoring systems, and offer medical care. However, treating and containing the disease is difficult due to the remoteness of the villages and the fragile healthcare system.

To find the cause of the illness, WHO scientists have launched metagenomic sequencing—an advanced technique that analyzes genetic material in an effort to identify unknown pathogens. Until results are available, the organization is urging swift action to prevent further deaths.

In addition to investigating viral infections, experts are also looking into other possible causes, such as contaminated food or water. The urgency of the situation is clear, as health officials fear that without a clear diagnosis, the outbreak could spiral out of control.

A Growing Concern

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has faced multiple health crises in the past, including Ebola outbreaks and other viral infections. The country’s limited healthcare infrastructure makes it especially vulnerable to new disease threats. As scientists continue to search for answers, health authorities are advising residents in affected areas to take precautions, including avoiding the consumption of potentially contaminated food and water.

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