Mysterious illness claims over 50 lives in DRC amid rising violence

A deadly and unidentified illness has claimed at least 53 lives in northwestern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), causing alarm among health officials as the outbreak continues to spread.

The outbreak, which began on Jan. 21, has infected 419 people so far, with many succumbing to the disease within 48 hours of symptom onset. Medical professionals, including Dr. Serge Ngalebato, the director of Bikoro Hospital, have expressed deep concern over the rapid and severe progression of the illness, calling the situation "highly worrisome."

The first cases were reported in the village of Boloko, where three children died within two days after consuming bat meat and exhibiting symptoms of hemorrhagic fever. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that zoonotic diseases—those transmitted from animals to humans—are on the rise in Africa, increasing by more than 60% in the past decade.

Health authorities have sent samples from recent cases in Bomate, which emerged on Feb. 9, to Kinshasa for further testing. Initial findings have ruled out Ebola and Marburg virus, but some samples have tested positive for malaria.

Worsening Violence in Eastern DRC

Meanwhile, the eastern DRC is grappling with escalating violence, which has led to over 7,000 deaths since January. The M23 rebel group, reportedly backed by Rwanda, has seized key territories, including the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu.

DRC Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka informed the United Nations Human Rights Council that more than 2,500 people remain unaccounted for, with many bodies buried anonymously. The U.N. has confirmed over 3,000 deaths, while the Red Cross continues to collect and bury unidentifiable remains.

The worsening security situation has fueled a wave of criminal activity. Armed groups roam the streets of Goma and Bukavu, engaging in looting, assaults, and violent attacks, creating an atmosphere of fear and instability. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned of growing insecurity in the region.

As the conflict rages on, hospitals in Goma are struggling to cope with an influx of casualties, facing severe shortages of medical supplies. The violence has also exacerbated food insecurity, intensifying the humanitarian crisis.

Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Impact

M23 forces have momentarily paused their advance toward the Burundi border, but thousands of refugees continue to flee. In response to the escalating conflict, Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye met with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa to discuss the crisis. Despite official denials, reports suggest that Burundi’s military support for the DRC is waning, with some troops withdrawing due to logistical difficulties.

As the DRC battles both a mysterious health crisis and intensifying violence, the situation remains dire, with urgent calls for international assistance and intervention.