Photo courtesy the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is grappling with a deadly outbreak of a mysterious illness known as “Disease X,” which has claimed the lives of at least 79 individuals in the Kwango province.
Health officials are scrambling to identify the cause of the outbreak.
The illness, characterized by flu-like symptoms including fever, cough, headache, and anemia, has so far resulted in 376 reported cases, with nearly half involving children under the age of five, Associated Press reported.
Residents have reported devastating losses, with one local, Oscar Kazwa, recounting the death of his 28-year-old daughter.
“She had a high fever, coughing, vomiting, and was very weak. As there was no adequate care, she died,” Kazwa told AP.
Deputy Provincial Governor Rémy Saki confirmed that the deaths occurred between November 10 and November 25 in the remote Panzi health zone, located over 435 miles from the capital, Kinshasa, the news outlet added.
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Friday that it is sending a team of experts to the affected region to assist with the investigation and response.
“All efforts are underway to identify the cause of the illness, understand its modes of transmission and ensure an appropriate response as swiftly as possible,” Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, told AP.
The National Rapid Response Team, supported by WHO, is working to collect samples, distribute medicines, and bolster infection prevention measures in the region.
Health Minister Roger Kamba stated that 71 deaths have been officially confirmed, including 27 in hospitals and 44 in the community. However, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reported 79 deaths and 376 cases.
But, the deputy provincial governor, Rémy Saki, reported to the AP on Tuesday that the death toll ranged from 67 to 143.
WATCH:
“Mysterious illness in Congo kills 143 people within 2 weeks, doctors aren’t yet sure what it is”
I’ve seen this movie before. It’s called December 2019. pic.twitter.com/k4TJJcnQEI
— 1 800 CAROL (@1800CAROL) December 7, 2024
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is confronting a severe public health crisis as it battles concurrent outbreaks of monkeypox and a mysterious illness referred to as “Disease X.”
Since December 2022, the DRC has been grappling with a significant monkeypox outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the virus has spread to 22 of the country’s 26 provinces, with a particularly severe impact in South Kivu province, with more than 47,000 suspected cases and over 1,000 suspected deaths.
A novel variant of clade I monkeypox, identified in this region, is believed to be more transmissible and potentially more virulent. This variant has also been detected in neighboring countries, according to WHO.
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