Mysterious illness causes deaths.
Health experts say a strange new sickness has killed over 50 people in northeastern Congo (an African country) in the last five weeks. It was first found in three children who ate a bat.
Most sick people had a fever, vomiting, and bleeding inside their bodies. Sadly, they died within 48 hours. This has made doctors and health experts very worried. Since 21st January 2025, there have been 419 cases and 53 deaths.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says the outbreak started in Boloko in Congo after three children ate a bat and died within 48 hours.
Some diseases come from animals to humans, especially when people eat wild animals. Right now, WHO and doctors are working hard to stop this new disease from spreading further.
Why do bats carry so many diseases?
Bats can have deadly viruses like Ebola, Marburg, and maybe even coronavirus. But why don’t bats get sick?
Bats have a very strong immune system. Their bodies fight viruses well and keep them safe. However, the viruses can harm humans.
People can get sick from bats by touching them, eating them, getting bitten, or touching things with bat saliva or droppings.
Bats as food.
In some cultures, people eat bats as a delicacy food. Some think bats taste good or are healthy. But scientists say eating bats is dangerous. Bats carry viruses that can make people sick or even cause deadly diseases.
What are delicacy foods?
Delicacy foods are special, rare, or expensive foods that people enjoy in some places. Some have special flavours, while others are eaten because people think they are healthy.
For example:
- Bird’s Nest Soup is made from bird nests. Some people believe it helps them stay young.
- Mopane worms are full of protein and are eaten in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and northern South Africa.
These foods may seem strange to some people, but others enjoy them. However, some delicacy foods can be risky. If not cooked well, they can make people sick. Experts say people should be careful or avoid eating them.
