An Update on the ‘Mystery Illness’ in DRC

A mysterious illness outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is now believed to stem from multiple causes, including infectious diseases and possible toxic exposure, according to WHO’s health emergencies chief, Mike Ryan. The outbreak in Equateur province, which has seen past Ebola outbreaks, has led to 943 cases and 52 deaths in the Basankusu health zone this month.

While Ebola and Marburg have been ruled out, many cases have tested positive for malaria. Investigators suspect some early cases resulted from contaminated water. This evolving situation underscores the importance of rapid public health response and surveillance in vulnerable communities. Read more from STAT News here.