A deadly mystery disease is sweeping southwestern Congo. The symptoms are similar to those of the flu and mainly affect children. the authorities estimate more than 130 deaths and have alerted the WHO.
The number of people who have died from a previously unknown disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has risen to 131,according to local health authorities. Teams of medical experts visiting affected towns in the south-west of the country since Tuesday have found two more villages where at least 60 deaths have been recorded,the health minister of Kwango province,Apollinaire Yumba,said.
in recent days, a team of epidemiologists went to the rural region of Panzi, in the south-west of the country, which belongs to Kwango, to support local doctors in treating patients. They should determine what type of disease it is. According to Yumba, 382 people with symptoms of the disease have been registered so far.The number of deaths in recent days varies between 60 and more than 140, depending on the source. Many of the victims died at home, without medical attention.
“The teams are working at full speed,” said Dieudonné mwamba, director general of the Central African country’s public health institute, at a press conference organized by the african health agency CDC Africa.“We are expecting the lab results in the next 24 to 48 hours, so we certainly know exactly what it is indeed.”
Even though the symptoms indicated a respiratory illness, Mwamba spoke of “Disease X”. “We are waiting to see the laboratory results to confirm the diagnosis and specify the treatment.” Due to a lack of capacity in the remote region bordering Angola,the samples taken have to be analyzed in the central laboratory in the capital Kinshasa.
Currently, little is known about the disease, which appears to mainly affect children up to 15 years of age. The percentage of newborns and young children is particularly high: so far 198 cases of illness and 17 deaths have occured in this age group, explains Mwamba. Flu-like symptoms include high fever, headache, cough, breathing problems and anemia. The minister announced that more teams of experts will arrive and that access to the area will be limited. In addition to taking samples, medical experts have tried to invite the population to adopt hygiene and distancing measures.
It is indeed not yet known whether the disease can be transmitted onyl through physical contact or through other routes. But Yumba reiterated that people ”must avoid greeting each other by shaking hands and wash their hands regularly.” It is also advisable not to touch the bodies of the deceased to avoid possible infections.
The disease, “of still unknown origin,” was discovered in Kwango province in late October, the DRC’s ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Security said. Dieudonné Mwamba confirmed that the first cases of the disease occurred on October 24. On December 1, an alert message was sent to health authorities nationwide. According to a spokesperson, the World Health Organization (WHO) was informed last week; A team is now working on site, also to collect samples for analysis.
jean Kaseya, director general of the africa CDC, hopes for “good quality samples” that can provide clarity. “We are ready and waiting for the results,” he underlined at the press conference. Similar to the Marburg fever epidemic that broke out in Rwanda a few weeks ago, the new disease is of the utmost importance for the authorities: “We need to know what is happening in the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
Two years ago, a typhoid epidemic occurred in the affected region, Mwamba explained. Much of the population is undernourished. “we are dealing with a vulnerable area,” he said, assessing a perhaps more severe course of the disease compared to areas with better nutritional status.
On December 5, in the capital Kinshasa, DRK Health Minister Roger kamba stressed that the Congolese government is on general alert for this disease, without providing further details. He spoke of 71 confirmed deaths so far, of which 27 people died in hospitals. Ten of these were due to a lack of blood donations for life-saving transfusions.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is the second largest country in Africa and is considered one of the poorest countries in the world. In recent months this has been the epicenter of the current one Smallpox outbreak with more than 47,000 suspected cases. More than 1,000 people have died so far. There is also a measles epidemic.
dpa/AP/AFP/sk
What are the key symptoms of the mystery disease emerging in southwestern Congo?
Title: Unraveling the Mystery Disease in Southwestern Congo: An Interview with Dr. Claire Amadi
Setting: A virtual conference room where Time.news editor, Alex Rodriguez, interviews Dr. Claire Amadi, an epidemiologist specializing in infectious diseases.
Alex Rodriguez: Welcome, Dr. Amadi. Thank you for joining us today to discuss this alarming outbreak in southwestern Congo. With the death toll rising to 131, and symptoms resembling that of the flu, what can you tell us about the current situation?
Dr. Claire Amadi: Thank you for having me, Alex. The situation is indeed concerning. The recent reports highlight a rapid increase in both cases and fatalities, primarily affecting children. Local health authorities are racing against time to understand the disease and its transmission, which is a critical step in managing this outbreak.
Alex Rodriguez: The health minister from kwango province mentioned that at least 382 people have shown symptoms. What challenges do you see in accurately diagnosing this disease?
Dr. Claire Amadi: The primary challenge is that these symptoms can overlap with various respiratory illnesses, including the flu, making it crucial to have laboratory testing. A generalized symptom profile can lead to misdiagnosis. Teams of epidemiologists are currently on the ground supporting local clinicians,which helps; however,the capacity for testing in remote areas is limited. They are sending samples to Kinshasa for analysis,which can delay results and thus the response.
Alex Rodriguez: You mentioned laboratory testing.what are the implications of waiting for lab results to come through?
Dr. Claire Amadi: Delays in lab results mean that while we wait for confirmation, more people might become infected. The urgency is to implement public health measures based on preliminary findings. Ther’s also the psychological impact on the communities who may fear the worst, especially with increasing numbers of death. Immediate, transparent communication is essential to mitigate fear and misinformation.
Alex Rodriguez: The term “Disease X” was used by the director general of the Central African country’s public health institute. What does that mean in the context of this outbreak?
Dr. Claire Amadi: “Disease X” refers to a hypothetical, unknown pathogen that could cause a future epidemic. It underscores the unpredictability of infectious diseases. In this case, while it appears to be a respiratory illness, calling it “disease X” emphasizes the uncertainty we face until we can confirm the pathogen species and know how best to treat it.
Alex Rodriguez: With the rising death toll and the sampling issues, are there any immediate messages for health organizations, like the WHO, that are being alerted?
Dr. Claire Amadi: Yes; international collaboration is crucial. Rapid response and resource allocation will help control the disease’s spread. Health organizations need to ensure that Congo’s healthcare workers are equipped with resources, including diagnostic tools, treatments, and protective equipment, to address both the outbreak and the healthcare burden on communities.
Alex Rodriguez: Thank you, Dr. Amadi.Before we wrap up, what can we as a global society do to support regions facing such health emergencies?
Dr. claire Amadi: Increased awareness and funding for public health systems in under-resourced areas can make a meaningful difference. Supporting capacity-building initiatives, promoting vaccination, and fostering research on emerging diseases are all vital. In pandemics, we all share a obligation. The faster we can mobilize the global community’s response, the better we can protect vulnerable populations.
Alex Rodriguez: Thank you, Dr. Amadi, for your insights on this critical issue. We hope for a swift resolution to this outbreak and the safety of all those affected.
Dr. Claire Amadi: Thank you,Alex. It’s essential to keep the dialogue going as we navigate these challenges together.
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(End of Interview)