The initial Ebola outbreak victims were three children in Boloko village who died 48 hours after consuming a bat. The World Health Organization’s Africa office confirmed these deaths on Monday. However, a direct connection between the bat consumption and the Ebola outbreak remains unconfirmed.
A previously unknown illness, causing hemorrhagic fever symptoms and death within 48 hours, has claimed over 50 lives in northwestern Congo since January 21st. The outbreak, initially linked to three children who consumed a bat, has resulted in 419 recorded cases. Tests have ruled out common hemorrhagic fever viruses like Ebola and Marburg, though some cases showed concurrent malaria. This latest outbreak highlights the increasing concern regarding zoonotic diseases, particularly in regions where wildlife consumption is prevalent.
A new hemorrhagic fever, causing rapid death (within 48 hours) from symptoms including fever, vomiting, and internal bleeding, has killed over 50 people in northwestern Democratic Republic of Congo since January 21st. The outbreak, with 419 cases recorded, started in Boloko village after three children consumed a bat. Tests have ruled out known viruses like Ebola and Marburg. Concerns remain regarding zoonotic diseases stemming from the consumption of wild animals.
This report was produced by the Shopping Trends team, a group separate from CTV News journalists. The team may receive commission from purchases made via affiliate links included in this content. Further information about the Shopping Trends team’s practices is available.
Over 50 deaths and 419 cases of an unknown illness have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo since January 21st, with a concerningly rapid progression to death within 48 hours. Initial investigations suggest the outbreak may have originated from zoonotic transmission after three children consumed a bat. Tests have ruled out Ebola and Marburg, while some cases show malaria, raising concerns about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in a region already battling other outbreaks. The situation highlights the increasing frequency of zoonotic diseases in Africa.
H5N1 avian flu has been detected in black rats in California, marking the first such case. This discovery follows previous confirmations of the virus in mice on affected farms and expands the list of infected mammals, which now includes a harbor seal, fox, bobcat, and domestic cat. The USDA is actively managing the ongoing outbreak, despite recent cost-cutting measures that led to the temporary dismissal of some bird flu experts, and continues to prioritize the response to the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This widespread infection has resulted in the culling of approximately 148 million birds and has contributed to rising egg prices and several human cases, including one fatality.
A new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, has been discovered by a Chinese research team, raising concerns about its potential to infect humans. Similar to SARS-CoV-2, HKU5-CoV-2 utilizes the human ACE2 receptor for infection, exhibiting a higher potential for human infection than other coronaviruses. This finding, published in *Cell*, was determined through cryo-EM analysis showing HKU5-CoV-2’s ability to infect human cell cultures. While further investigation is needed, the study highlights the zoonotic risk posed by bat merbecoviruses.
Ohio has confirmed its first human case of bird flu (H5N1) during the current outbreak, affecting an adult farmer in Mercer County who had contact with infected poultry. The risk to the general public remains low, according to the CDC. The state health department advises avoiding contact with sick or dead poultry and wild birds, and recommends using protective equipment when handling potentially infected animals. Further guidance emphasizes thorough handwashing and avoiding touching one’s face after contact.
Nevada’s confirmation of its first human case of avian influenza, specifically in a dairy worker, is certainly a concerning development. This underscores the potential for zoonotic diseases – illnesses that jump from animals to humans – to impact our lives in unexpected ways. The fact that this occurred in a dairy worker, an individual regularly interacting with livestock, raises important questions about the potential transmission pathways.
It’s understandable that people are drawing parallels to previous pandemics, particularly the COVID-19 outbreak. The anxieties surrounding a potential new pandemic are palpable, especially given the political climate and the lingering impacts of the last major global health crisis.… Continue reading
Nevada reported its first human case of H5N1 avian influenza in a farm worker exposed to infected cattle, expanding the ongoing U.S. outbreak to nearly 70 human cases. The individual experienced conjunctivitis but is recovering, with no evidence of human-to-human transmission. The discovery follows the recent identification of a second avian flu strain (D1.1) in Nevada dairy cattle, raising concerns given a Louisiana death associated with this strain. Health officials emphasize the low public risk of the virus, according to the CDC.
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood