Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo are investigating a deadly outbreak of illness that has claimed at least 60 lives in Equateur province since late January. The World Health Organization (WHO) suspects that a contaminated water source in one of the affected villages could be responsible, though officials stress that it is too early to confirm the exact cause.
The outbreak has spread across five villages, with over 1,000 reported cases. High malaria prevalence in the region has complicated efforts to pinpoint the main cause of the illness, which has left health officials struggling to determine its origins. WHO emergencies chief Dr. Michael Ryan stated in an online briefing on Friday that one village in particular has raised significant suspicion regarding potential water poisoning. However, he did not clarify whether the contamination was accidental, due to negligence, or a deliberate act.
“We will not stop investigating until we are sure that the true cause or the absolute cause of what is occurring here is fully investigated,” Ryan assured.
The first cases were detected in late January in the village of Boloko, where three children died within 48 hours after consuming a bat. Boloko recorded a total of 12 cases and eight deaths, with nearly half of the fatalities occurring within hours of symptom onset. Fortunately, no new cases have been reported there since January.
The most severely affected village is Bomate in the Basankusu health zone, located about 200 kilometers from Boloko. Health officials report that 98% of the cases and 86% of the total deaths have occurred there. The illness presents symptoms beyond typical malaria indicators, including fever, chills, stiff neck, nosebleeds, coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The health crisis has instilled fear among residents, causing some to flee their villages to escape infection. The remote locations of the affected areas have further hindered medical intervention, with several patients dying before health teams could reach them.
WHO and local health authorities continue to investigate the situation, ensuring that all potential causes, including water contamination, are thoroughly examined to prevent further loss of life.
