UPDATE: Mystery ‘Disease X’ Probed After Killing 79 People in Congo
A mysterious illness has swept through the Democratic Republic of Congo, killing 79 people and leaving health experts baffled. The illness, which has been described as a “disease X,” has been traced to the town of Yumbi in the remote Mai-Ndombe region.
The first cases of the illness were reported in late December, and within weeks, the death toll had risen to 79. The victims, all of whom were under the age of 50, showed symptoms including fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Many of the victims had also suffered from severe dehydration and had died within hours of seeking medical treatment.
Despite the severity of the outbreak, health officials say they are still unsure of the cause of the disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been called in to assist in the investigation, and scientists are working to identify the source of the illness.
The Congolese health ministry has reported that at least 100 people are still receiving treatment for the illness, and many more are being monitored for potential symptoms. The ministry has also announced that it has set up a special investigation team to look into the outbreak and identify the source of the disease.
Meanwhile, local residents are fearful of the outbreak, which has brought the town of Yumbi to a standstill. Many businesses have closed, and trade has come to a halt as people stay indoors, fearing for their safety.
The mystery illness has left many questions unanswered, but one thing is clear – the people of Yumbi are in dire need of help and support as they struggle to come to terms with this devastating outbreak.
