Emerging Zoonotic Threat? Mystery Illness in Congo Raises Concerns for Veterinary and Medical Experts

A recent outbreak of an unidentified hemorrhagic fever in northwestern Congo has drawn global attention, particularly from veterinarians, epidemiologists, and public health officials concerned about zoonotic disease transmission. The illness, first detected in three children who consumed a bat, has resulted in over 50 fatalities within just five weeks, with a rapid disease progression leading to death within 48 hours in most cases.