Concerns are growing about an unidentified virus which has killed more than 50 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to an update from the World Health Organisation, the virus has been traced back to the village of Boloko, in the northwest of the country, as three children passed away after developing hemorrhagic symptoms back in January.
It’s believed the three children, who were all under the age of five, had eaten a bat prior to developing symptoms. However, it’s currently unclear whether or not the two are directly linked.
The outbreak reportedly came from the northwest of the Democratic Republic of Congo (GLODY MURHABAZI/AFP via Getty Images)
As of 15 February, a further 431 people have since been diagnosed in Boloko and the village of Bomate, with more than 50 deaths.
Health officials are particularly concerned about what has caused the sudden outbreak and are currently monitoring the situation closely.
«The outbreaks, which have seen cases rise rapidly within days, pose a significant public health threat. The exact cause remains unknown,» WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic told reporters in a recent update (via Reuters).
«We are looking into whether it is another infection or whether it is some toxic agent. We have to see what can be done and at what point WHO can support.»
What do we know about the virus?
According to the WHO, the initial symptoms of the virus include headache, diarrhoea, and fatigue, which later progress into a hemorrhagic fever. Fatalities are said to have occurred around 48 hours since the onset of symptoms.
Patients have been tested for similar viruses such as Ebola or Marburg, but these have come back negative. Other causes such as malaria, viral hemorrhagic fever, food or water poisoning, typhoid fever, and meningitis are being investigated.
The cause of the virus is unknown, but it causes similar symptoms to Ebola or Marburg (Getty Stock Images)
The WHO has also said that they are yet to establish links between the outbreaks, adding that: «Sequencing and additional investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of illness and deaths in the two health zones.»
Speaking about the potential seriousness of the outbreaks, Dr Michael Head, a senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton, said (via MailOnline): ‘There is a huge amount of uncertainty about this outbreak.»
He went on to explain that while similar outbreaks aren’t uncommon around the world, there needs to be further testing to identify a ‘confirmed pathogen‘.
«However, here, it is concerning that we have hundreds of cases and over 50 deaths, with hemorrhagic-fever like symptoms widely reported among those cases,» he added.
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Meanwhile, Professor Paul Hunter, an infectious disease expert at the University of East Anglia, added that a similar cluster of cases occurred in December and was later determined to be a combination of malaria and increased malnutrition.
‘It is certainly possible here that we have a similar issue,» he added.
«But we need to wait the results of ongoing investigations to know the cause.»
Featured Image Credit: (GUERCHOM NDEBO/AFP via Getty Images)
Topics: Health, World News, Science
Brenna Cooper
There’s flights to European city with more than 3,000 hours of sun a year for just £38
Had enough of winter? Me too
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If you’ve had enough of winter in the UK, we come bearing good news: you can now escape the cold to one of the sunniest places in Europe for just £38.
Often overlooked by its big sisters, Marbella and Seville, the Spanish city of Malaga doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves. But with more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year (and some seriously cheap flights in February) it’s not a bad shout for Brits crying out for some vitamin D.
A two- to three-hour flight from the UK, depending on where you’re flying from, Malaga is one of the sunniest destinations on our doorstep, and a weekend away doesn’t have to break the bank.
Getty/fotomicar
The sixth largest city in Spain, Malaga is ideally situated on the iconic Costa Del Sol coastline, and is home to a grand total of 16 beaches.
It’s also known for its art scene with plenty of museums and galleries to pass the time — Pablo Picasso was born there, after all.
So, what do you need to know? From where to book cheap flights to the best places to eat and drink, find out everything for your next trip below.
Where to book cheap flights to Malaga this winter
We’ve done the hard work for you and found the cheapest flights to the Spanish sun trap, at just £38. To bag the offer, you need to fly from London Stansted on Monday 24, February at 10.20am via easyJet.
There are also similar flights at the same price on the following day at 6.50am for £45. You can find the best flights from London to Malaga over on Expedia UK.
If you’re based up north, it’ll cost you a fiver more for the privilege of escaping the country. There are currently seats up for grabs on the 10.25am flight from Manchester Airport which lands at the local time of 2.25pm. It will cost you £42 if you book through Expedia UK now. If you’re even further up north, the cheapest flight we can find departs from Edinburgh on 21 February at 5.55am via Jet2 and will cost you £38. Worth the early morning wake-up call, if you ask us!
Alternatively, Wowcher is offering cheap breaks to other Spanish destinations including Benidorm, Fuertaventura and Majorca from just £99 including flights and accommodation (book here).
The best places to eat and drink in Malaga
If you only have a couple of days to explore the Spanish city, then add these food and drink recommendations to your list, stat. If you’re down for steak, Buenavista Gastrobar and Tapas comes highly recommended on TikTok. For a taste of fresh seafood, hit up Er Pichi de Cái Huelin, whilst Donde Carlos is apparently the best spot in town for paella.
After tea, you’ll want to drop by Casa Arand for fluffy churros dunked in chocolate — just expect a queue. As though you needed any further convincing, a pint only costs around €2.50 in Malaga. See you there?
Featured Image Credit: Getty/Darren Robb