Unknown disease of no origin kills at least 15 in Tanzania

A mysterious disease, which caused vomiting of blood, took the lives of about 15 people in Tanzania, in the same administrative district. After announcing it, a chief doctor was suspended by the country’s health authorities for causing panic.

At least 15 people have died, and more than 50 have been hospitalized in Tanzania, infected with an unknown disease, the country’s health authorities said, according to the local news outlets.

The unidentified infection is causing nausea and vomiting of blood, said Felista Kisandu, chief medical officer of Chunya district in the Mbeya region. Only one administrator in the Ifumbo district is currently affected.

A team of specialists has been mobilized to examine patients and investigate the cause of the epidemic, he continues. Water and blood samples from the victims have been taken to identify possible traces of mercury contamination, adds Kisandu.

According to the preliminary study results, the victims were predominantly male and suffered from stomach ulcers and liver problems.

Doctor suspended

The Tanzanian government later announced the suspension of the chief medical officer for allegedly breaking the law by comparing the facts to an epidemic, which caused panic among residents of the affected area.

Accompanied by high fever and vomiting, a similar disease had spread to the area by 2018.