Health experts warn the UK to stay vigilant following a mystery illness in the DRC that has killed 53 people. The outbreak has symptoms resembling hemorrhagic fever, and investigations are ongoing to determine the cause while ruling out known viruses. The rapidity of the illness and potential zoonotic sources raise concerns for broader public health.
Health experts are advising heightened vigilance in the UK following a deadly outbreak of a mysterious illness in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has resulted in 53 fatalities among 419 reported cases. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that the illness presents symptoms similar to hemorrhagic fever and has notable rapidity in its progression, often leading to death within two days of symptom onset.
Dr. Zania Stamataki from the University of Birmingham emphasizes the need for the UK to remain alert, as viral infections can remain dormant before symptoms begin, facilitating potential transmission as individuals travel. Warning against complacency, she states, “Infections know no borders and do not respect country lines.”
Current symptoms include fever, vomiting, and internal bleeding, which are characteristic of hemorrhagic fever, commonly associated with viruses such as Ebola and Marburg. However, testing has ruled out these deadly viruses, and the WHO is working with local health authorities to identify the illness’s cause and transmission patterns.
The outbreak initially began in Boloko after three children consumed bat meat, subsequently developing symptoms and dying rapidly. Dr. Stamataki remarks that while symptoms differ from a previous malaria outbreak in the DRC, the possibility of new cases remains. Isolation protocols and restricted travel in affected areas are advisable for containment.
The involvement of bats raises concerns that the outbreak may involve a novel virus with no prior human immunity, leading to severe illness. Dr. Amanda Rojek from the University of Oxford notes that investigations are ongoing to understand the outbreak’s etiology, which may be linked to zoonotic transmission or contaminated substances.
As verification of the circumstances surrounding the children’s deaths continues, Dr. Rojek underscores the importance of supporting local healthcare infrastructure and research to manage such outbreaks effectively. The UK Health Security Agency has been consulted for insights regarding this issue.
In summary, health experts urge the UK to monitor potential transmissions of a mystery illness from the DRC which has resulted in numerous fatalities. The illness demonstrates rapid symptom progression, and although investigations have excluded known deadly viruses, the outbreak’s origins and transmission mechanisms remain obscure. Proactive measures and further research are essential to prevent future outbreaks.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
