Health authorities in Europe have identified 11 cases of “werewolf syndrome” in babies, a rare condition characterized by abnormal hair growth, traced to their parents’ use of minoxidil, a popular hair-loss treatment.

The findings were detailed in a report by the Pharmacovigilance Centre of Navarre (CFN) in Spain, which linked the cases to exposure to the medication. Hypertrichosis, or “werewolf syndrome,” involves excessive hair growth on parts of the body other than the scalp. In severe cases, hair can cover the entire face and body, while localized patches may also occur.

Minoxidil, used to promote hair growth in individuals experiencing baldness, is typically applied topically to the scalp or taken orally. The first case surfaced when a baby in Spain developed unusual hair growth on the back, legs, and thighs over two months. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the baby’s father, who had been on leave to care for his child, had been using a 5% topical minoxidil solution during this period.

After the father discontinued the medication and took precautions to avoid contact with his child, the baby’s symptoms completely regressed.

Prompted by this case, the CFN conducted a broader review using data from the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System and the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) EudraVigilance databases. The analysis revealed additional cases across Europe where infants developed hypertrichosis following exposure to caregivers using topical minoxidil.

Researchers suggested two possible routes of exposure: oral transfer, such as ingestion of residue left on hands, or direct skin contact with treated areas. The report highlighted that babies’ thinner, more sensitive skin makes them more vulnerable to absorbing medications, increasing their risk of unintended side effects.

In response to the findings, the European Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) has updated safety information for products containing minoxidil. Revised medication leaflets now warn users of the potential risk of excessive body hair growth in infants exposed to treated areas.

Health officials emphasize the importance of exercising caution when using topical medications around infants. “Parents and caregivers should ensure they wash their hands thoroughly after applying minoxidil and take steps to avoid contact between treated areas and children,” the report advised.

The updated guidelines aim to mitigate risks and raise awareness about potential side effects, as health authorities continue to monitor the situation across Europe.

A baffling illness of unknown origin has claimed at least 71 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in recent weeks, health officials announced, as they race to identify the disease and curb its spread.

First detected in late October in Kwango province in the country’s southwest, the illness has sickened approximately 380 people, according to the DRC Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene, and Social Security. Fatalities were recorded between November 10 and 25, with 27 people dying in hospitals and 44 in the community, authorities confirmed.

While the majority of those who succumbed to the illness were children over the age of 15, Public Health Minister Roger Kamba stated that it is premature to classify the outbreak as a large-scale epidemic. “At the current stage, we cannot speak of a large-scale epidemic,” Kamba told reporters on Thursday.

Symptoms and Challenges

The disease presents flu-like symptoms, including fever, headaches, cough, and anaemia, said Apollinaire Yumba, the provincial health minister. Among hospitalised patients, 10 died due to a lack of blood transfusions, while 17 succumbed to respiratory complications.

The disease is suspected to resemble a respiratory illness, but officials remain uncertain about its transmission mechanisms. “It is difficult to talk about how it is transmitted before the results of the analysis of the collected samples,” Kamba added.

Ongoing Investigations

The DRC’s health ministry has launched in-depth field investigations and is analyzing samples from affected individuals to identify the illness. Authorities have also urged citizens to avoid large gatherings, follow hygiene protocols, and promptly report suspected cases to local health officials.

International Response

Global health organizations are now involved in the effort to pinpoint the illness. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is collaborating with the DRC government to investigate the outbreak, while the World Health Organization (WHO) has deployed a team to collect and analyze patient samples. A WHO spokesperson emphasized the importance of understanding the situation, stating the agency is “working with the national authorities to follow up on reports of an unidentified disease.”

Broader Health Challenges

This mysterious illness adds to the DRC’s existing health struggles, including an ongoing mpox outbreak. The country has reported over 47,000 suspected mpox cases and more than 1,000 related deaths in 2024, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As health officials continue their investigation, efforts to identify the mysterious illness and prevent its spread remain a top priority in the region.