A mysterious and deadly illness known as the ‘crying disease’ has emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo, claiming the lives of 60 individuals and infecting over 1,000 people in the past few weeks.
The outbreak has been reported in two remote villages in Equateur province—Boloko and Bomate—raising concerns among health officials and international experts.
This mysterious disease, characterized by excessive crying, fever, chills, and body aches, has spread rapidly, with some patients succumbing to the illness within hours of showing symptoms.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched an extensive investigation to determine the cause and containment measures for this deadly outbreak.
The Emergence of ‘Crying Disease’ and Its Devastating Impact
The first cases of the ‘crying disease’ were reported in the remote village of Boloko, where three children reportedly died within 48 hours after consuming bat meat. Shortly after, another outbreak occurred in the village of Bomate, where over 400 individuals fell ill, some of whom tested positive for malaria.
The two affected villages are more than 190 kilometers apart, and it remains unclear whether the outbreaks are connected. The rapid progression of the disease has left health officials scrambling to contain its spread and identify its source.
The symptoms of the illness are varied and severe, with most affected individuals experiencing fever, chills, body aches, joint and neck pain, excessive sweating, difficulty breathing, extreme thirst, and diarrhea. However, what has made this disease particularly alarming is the persistent crying observed in children, which led to its name.
Health experts have noted that many patients have deteriorated rapidly, with some dying within just 48 hours of symptom onset. This swift decline has raised concerns about the potential for a highly infectious and deadly new disease.
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Health officials and local authorities have described the outbreak as highly concerning, with many unknowns surrounding its origins and transmission.
🚨 ALERT: Deadly Mystery Disease Spreading Fast in Congo 🚨
— Kristy Tallman (@KristyTallman) February 26, 2025
A fast-moving illness in the DRC has already killed over 50 people within hours of symptoms appearing. Victims suffer fever, vomiting, and internal bleeding—similar to Ebola, but tests have ruled it out. Over 400 cases… pic.twitter.com/3lcSdXIbZv
The Congolese Ministry of Health has called for urgent intervention, and the WHO has deployed a team of experts, along with medical supplies and testing kits, to the affected regions. However, the remoteness of the villages and poor infrastructure pose significant challenges to disease control efforts.
Investigations into the Cause of the ‘Crying Disease’
Given the rapid spread and severity of the disease, scientists and health experts have been working tirelessly to determine its cause. Initial fears suggested the possibility of a hemorrhagic fever outbreak, such as Ebola or the Marburg virus. However, WHO testing has ruled out both diseases, leaving health authorities to explore other potential causes.
One of the leading theories involves zoonotic transmission, as the first recorded deaths in Boloko were linked to the consumption of bat meat. Zoonotic diseases, which spread from animals to humans, have been responsible for some of the deadliest outbreaks in history, including Ebola and COVID-19.
The vast and biodiverse rainforests of the Congo Basin serve as a reservoir for many viruses, increasing the risk of such epidemics. Experts warn that as long as human encroachment on forests continues, outbreaks of new and potentially dangerous diseases will persist.
In contrast, the outbreak in Bomate presents a more complex picture. Many of the affected individuals tested positive for malaria, suggesting a possible co-infection or misdiagnosis.
This discrepancy has further complicated the efforts to identify the exact nature of the disease. Other potential causes being investigated include water or food contamination, viral infections, bacterial diseases such as typhoid fever, and meningitis.
While health officials continue their investigations, they have urged locals to avoid consuming wild meat, particularly bats, and to take necessary precautions such as improving hygiene and sanitation. The government has also emphasized the need for increased surveillance and rapid response mechanisms to prevent further spread.
Challenges in Containing the Outbreak and the Future of Congo’s Health Crisis
Containing the outbreak of the ‘crying disease’ has proven to be an immense challenge due to the region’s geographical and infrastructural limitations.
The affected villages are located in remote areas accessible only by road or via the Congo River, making it difficult for health workers to reach infected individuals. Limited healthcare facilities, a lack of proper medical supplies, and poor transportation networks have further hampered response efforts.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has long been vulnerable to infectious disease outbreaks, including repeated Ebola epidemics. With its dense forests and close human-animal interactions, the country is at high risk of emerging zoonotic diseases.
Experts have consistently warned that Congo must strengthen its healthcare infrastructure and improve disease surveillance to prevent such crises in the future.
In response to the current outbreak, WHO and the Congolese government have deployed emergency response teams to conduct further investigations, provide medical care, and implement preventive measures.
However, given the speed at which this illness is claiming lives, there is an urgent need for international support, increased funding, and global health partnerships to prevent further loss of life.
As the situation develops, health officials remain on high alert, closely monitoring cases and working toward a definitive diagnosis. The global community is also watching closely, as the emergence of a new and unknown disease with rapid fatality rates presents a significant public health threat.
Until a cause is identified and effective containment measures are put in place, the ‘crying disease’ remains a chilling reminder of the ongoing battle against infectious diseases and the critical need for improved global preparedness.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏