Mystery disease kills 5 as victims suffer headaches and nosebleeds before death

At least five people have died from a mystery disease which causes headaches and a fever.

Health bosses in Tanzania, East Africa, have described the illness as “strange” after seven cases were reported in Kagera.

Doctors are now working to identify and treat the mysterious illness which causes headaches, fever, fatigue and nosebleeds.

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Tanzania’s chief medical officer Tumaini Nagu told the BBC: “The government formed a regional team of professionals under the Rapid Response Team who are investigating this unknown disease”.

Experts are warning the public to avoid contact with anyone who may be infected, and asking people to remain calm.

The publication added that in July 2022 three people died after displaying similar symptoms, in southern Tanzania.

The outbreak was later identified as leptospirosis, also known as Weil’s disease.

It is typically spread through contact with animal urine, such as rats, nice, cows, pigs and dogs.

Symptoms include fever, headache, feeling and being sick, aching muscles and joints, red eyes, and a loss of appetite.

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Serious cases of the infection can cause yellow skin and eyes, swollen ankles, feet or hands, chest pain, shortness of breath or coughing up blood.

In most cases, the condition is treated with antibiotics and clears up within a few days to a few weeks.

However, without treatment, it could take months to recover and could cause kidney damage or liver failure – which can be life-threatening.

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