Health Experts Urge Vigilance After Mysterious Illness Kills 53 in DRC

Health officials in the UK are on alert after over 53 fatalities from a mysterious illness resembling hemorrhagic fever have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The outbreak, centered in Boloko, has raised concerns about possible zoonotic transmission. Experts advocate vigilance and reporting of symptoms to local health authorities while investigations into the disease’s origins continue.

Health experts are urging vigilance in the United Kingdom following the outbreak of a mysterious illness in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has resulted in over 53 deaths and 419 reported cases in recent weeks. Symptoms of this illness resemble those of hemorrhagic fever and have surfaced within days, raising concerns about potential transmission across borders.

Dr. Zania Stamataki, an Associate Professor in Viral Immunology at the University of Birmingham, emphasized that the UK must remain watchful as viral infections can remain dormant before symptoms appear, facilitating undetected travel and exposure.

The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that the fatalities occurred shortly after symptoms manifested, with many victims being children and young individuals. The outbreak was traced back to Boloko, where three children died after consuming a bat, suggesting a possible zoonotic disease.

Current symptoms noted include fever, vomiting, and internal bleeding, common in diseases associated with deadly viruses such as Ebola and Marburg. However, preliminary testing has excluded these known viruses, prompting local health authorities and WHO experts to investigate the outbreak’s nature and transmission mechanisms.

Dr. Stamataki remarked, “It is important to watch for symptoms of a hemorrhagic fever-type disease and report them to the UK Health Security Agency through medical practitioners.” She also highlighted that malnutrition and existing conditions, such as malaria, may exacerbate the outbreak’s severity.

Dr. Amanda Rojek from the Pandemic Sciences Institute at the University of Oxford noted that ongoing investigations will seek to determine if multiple diseases could be contributing to the outbreak. She reassured that tests for lethal viruses like Ebola and Marburg have thus far returned negative.

The UK Health Security Agency has been alerted for commentary and further guidance as the situation develops. With reports of children consuming bats, the need for verification is critical for assessing zoonotic disease risk, while supporting local healthcare and scientific inquiry is essential for effective outbreak management and understanding.

In conclusion, the recent outbreak of a mysterious illness in the DRC has led to significant fatalities and raised alarms in the UK regarding potential health risks. Experts emphasize the need for continued vigilance in monitoring symptoms and reporting illnesses, as well as supporting local investigations into the origins and transmission of this disease. The necessity for robust public health measures cannot be overstated in preventing further spread.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk