Authorities in northwestern Congo are currently investigating the tragic deaths of at least 60 individuals, with suspicions arising around the contamination of a local water source. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Friday that, while there are indications of potential poisoning, it remains too early to draw any definitive conclusions.
Since late January, more than 1,000 illnesses have been reported across five villages in Congo’s Equateur province. The situation is further complicated by the region’s high prevalence of malaria, which has hindered efforts to accurately diagnose the causes of these health crises. WHO emergencies chief, Dr. Michael Ryan, highlighted the urgency of the investigation during an online briefing on Friday, stating that there is “a very strong level of suspicion of a poisoning event related to the poisoning of a water source.” However, Dr. Ryan did not specify whether this contamination was accidental, negligent, or deliberate, nor did he disclose the name of the village under suspicion.
The first signs of illness emerged in late January in the village of Boloko when three children consumed a bat and tragically died within 48 hours. To date, Boloko has recorded twelve cases and eight deaths, with officials noting that nearly half of these fatalities occurred shortly after the onset of symptoms. In contrast, the village of Bomate in the Basankusu health zone, located approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) from Boloko, has been disproportionately affected, accounting for 98% of the total cases and 86% of the deaths.
The WHO reported on Thursday that several patients have tested positive for malaria, a common illness in the region. In addition to typical malaria symptoms such as fever and body aches, affected individuals have exhibited a range of alarming symptoms, including chills, sweating, stiff neck, runny or bleeding nose, cough, vomiting, and diarrhea. This health crisis has instilled fear among residents, prompting some to flee their villages in an attempt to avoid falling ill.
Experts have noted that access to the sick has been severely limited due to the remote locations of the affected villages. Tragically, several individuals have succumbed to their illnesses before medical teams could reach them. Dr. Ryan remarked, “Clearly, at the centre of this, we have some kind of poisoning event.” He also suggested that other potential causes could include a “toxic-type event,” possibly arising from biological factors such as meningitis or from chemical exposure.
Despite the ongoing challenges, WHO officials remain committed to determining the true cause behind this alarming health crisis. Dr. Ryan emphasized, “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.” As the investigation unfolds, health officials are working diligently to address the needs of the affected communities while seeking to clarify the origins of this tragic situation.
