Mysterious ‘Crying’ Disease Kills Within Hours – Symptoms & Origin Explained

Congo (The Uttam Hindu): A mysterious illness has infected more than 400 people and caused over 50 deaths in northwestern Congo over the past two months. Many victims reportedly died within hours of showing symptoms raising alarms among health officials. The outbreak has been reported in two remote villages in Equateur province with cases emerging since January 21. Health authorities are still working to determine the cause of the illness and whether the outbreaks in the two villages separated by over 190 kilometers are connected.  

One of the most unusual symptoms observed in children is excessive crying leading to the illness being referred to as the "crying disease." Other common symptoms include fever, chills, body aches and diarrhea. Initially officials suspected Ebola but lab tests ruled out the virus. Experts are now investigating other possible causes such as malaria, viral hemorrhagic fever, food or water poisoning, typhoid fever and meningitis. The World Health Organization has been called in to assist in identifying the disease and preventing further spread.  

The first reported cases were linked to three children who fell ill and died within 48 hours after eating a bat in the village of Boloko. However, no direct connection has been found between the cases in the two affected villages. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, fearing the outbreak could pose a larger health risk. Urgent investigations are underway to understand the source and mode of transmission as the mysterious illness continues to spread.