At least 15 people have died and more than 50 others have been hospitalized in Tanzania from a terrifying mysterious disease that causes patients to vomit blood, reports said.
Some of the patients, mostly men, died within hours of developing symptoms in the southern Mbeya region of the country, The Sun reported.
Felista Kisandu, the local chief medical officer, said a team of experts has been sent to assess the patients and investigate the cause of their disease.
“This problem is not widespread,” said Kisandu. “It happened in just one Ifumbo administrative division where people vomit blood and die if they get to the hospital late.”
She said the cause of their illness has not yet been determined, but the Tanzanian Ministry of Health “has ruled out an outbreak,” the outlet said.
Initial clinical studies showed that the patients, mainly men, suffered from stomach ulcers and liver disease, Kisandu said. “We advised them to avoid drinking illicit brew, smoking cigarettes and other hard drinks.”
Authorities tested water samples and blood from patients for traces of mercury contamination.
Meanwhile, Tanzanian Health Minister Dorothy Gwajika ordered Kisandu’s suspension after making her remarks.
“For causing unnecessary panic among residents, I order Dr. Felista Kisandu’s employer to suspend her from paving the way for investigation by the Medical Board and submit the report to me within 10 days,” said Gwajika.
According to The Sun, similar symptoms developed in the area in 2018 when people suffered from a high fever and nausea and vomited blood.
News of the mysterious condition comes about a month after President John Magufuli claimed that COVID-19 had stopped in its path – through the power of prayer.
“Corona in our country has been removed by the forces of God,” he said on January 9, six weeks after the government stopped publicly updating virus data.
The number of cases remains at 509 for six weeks, although opposition figures estimate the actual number could be in the tens of thousands.
The population has been urged to consume herbal remedies to combat the deadly bug by boosting immunity.