The Democratic Republic of Congo is on “high alert” following the detection of a mysterious disease which, according to the latest estimates, has killed dozens of people in just over a month.The Minister of Defense announced it.
“we are alert, we believe that this is an epidemic level that we must monitor,” Samuel-roger Kamba emphasized during a press conference in the capital city of Kinshasa. The phenomenon that health authorities describe as an “unknown public health event” is currently located in the Panzi region, about 700 km southeast of Kinshasa.
The first cases were detected at the end of october. “In the health centers we have recorded 27 deaths.And with the evaluation made by the local leading doctor in the community, another 44 have been reported”, the minister specified, saying however, at the moment “I cannot say that it is connected. to the phenomenon because there are other possible causes.”
In the remote region of panzi where health infrastructure is almost non-existent, the population lives in general precariousness, suffering from a lack of access to drinking water and medicines. The rate of malnutrition (61%) is among the highest in the country, the minister revealed, recalling that the region was hit two years ago by a serious epidemic of typhoid fever.
According to the first data available, the mysterious disease mainly affects the little ones, and 40% of the cases involve children under the age of five. The symptoms are similar to those of the flu: fever, cough and headache. Specialists have already concluded that it is indeed a disease that affects the respiratory system but they ruled out Covid.
“We are not yet in a state of alarm, which would be true in the case of a new diagnostic feature. If it were clear that the entire population is susceptible and the mode of transmission was known (for example through air), then It would be an alarm observed for hemorrhagic fever, but the symptoms are very different.” Therefore Giovanni Rezza, professor of hygiene and public health at the University Vita-Salute San Raffaele in Milan, former director of research on the ISS, regarding the mysterious disease that caused more than 140 victims in just over a month in the south-west of the country. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The cases were reported in the Panzi region, about 700 km south-east of the capital Kinshasa. Most of those who have died are between the ages of 15 and 18, and symptoms include fever, headache, cold and cough, difficulty breathing and anaemia. “The diagnosis is very difficult, these are different areas from Europe or China. We have to wait for the samples to be transferred at least to the equipped laboratory in Kinshasa, if not to other more specialized centers with support of the World Health Organization. You will then understand if it is a known bacterial pathology, such as meningococcal disease, haemorrhagic fever or flu syndrome, in which case the diagnosis would be very fast, but if it was new it would take longer.Its easy to conjecture, but at the moment many things are not known.
The professor explains that this area is characterized by frequent contact between man and animal and events of this type, which are extremely dramatic but have no consequences for the rest of the world, are not new. often. “The Congo is very used to dealing with hemorrhagic fever and they know how to act to contain that kind of outbreak. It would be different if it was a respiratory disease. The authorities must certainly pay close attention, at inform travelers who intend to travel to the area”.
Rezza, the disease in the Congo is still limited but a diagnosis is awaited
“We are not yet in a state of alarm, which would be true in the case of a new diagnostic feature.If it were clear that the entire population is susceptible and the mode of transmission was known (for example through air), then It would be an alarm observed for hemorrhagic fever, but the symptoms are very different.” Therefore Giovanni Rezza, professor of hygiene and public health at the University of Vita-Salute San Raffaele in Milan, former director of research on the ISS, regarding the mysterious disease that caused more than 140 victims in just over a month in the southwest of the.Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The cases were reported in the Panzi region, about 700 km south-east of the capital Kinshasa. Most of those who have died are between the ages of 15 and 18, and symptoms include fever, headache, cold and cough, difficulty breathing and anaemia. “The diagnosis is very difficult, these are different areas from Europe or China. We have to wait for the samples to be transferred at least to the equipped laboratory in Kinshasa,if not to other more specialized centers with support of the World Health Organization.You will understand the recognized bacterial pathology, such as meningococcal disease, hemorrhagic fever or influenza syndrome.
In that case the diagnosis would be very fast, but if it was something new it would take longer. Until then, it is easy to conjecture, but at the moment many things are not known. Anemia, such as, could be explained by the phenomena of malnutrition, malaria and the basic health situation of the area.” The area, the professor explains, is characterized by frequent human-animal contact and is not new to events of the such, especially dramatic but they often have no consequences for the rest of the world” The Congo is very used to dealing with haemorrhagic fevers and they know how to act against that kind contain an outbreak. it would be different if it were a respiratory disease. The authorities must pay close attention, notifying travelers who intend to travel to the area.”
Interview between Time.news Editor and Giovanni Rezza, Public Health Expert
Editor: Welcome, Professor Rezza. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the concerning developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo. as we know, the country is on high alert due to a new mysterious disease that has resulted in numerous fatalities. Can you provide us with an overview of what we currently know about this outbreak?
Rezza: Thank you for having me. Yes, the situation in the DRC is indeed alarming. The disease, detected in the Panzi region, has affected primarily children and young people, with symptoms resembling those of respiratory illnesses like the flu—fever, cough, and headache among others. Over 140 deaths have been reported within just a month, and the health infrastructure in that area is alarmingly inadequate, which complicates both diagnosis and response.
Editor: What do we know about the potential origins of this disease? Is there any indication that it could be linked to previous outbreaks or other pathogens?
Rezza: While the minister has mentioned that further evaluations are necessary before establishing a direct connection to known diseases, we must exercise caution. The previously existing issues in the region—the high rates of malnutrition and lack of basic services—may exacerbate the health crisis. Though, the symptoms do not match those of common deadly pathogens such as ebola or COVID-19, which is somewhat reassuring, though still concerning due to the high mortality rate.
Editor: The minister highlighted that 40% of the cases involve children under five.How does this demographic being so heavily affected point to the vulnerabilities within the public health system?
Rezza: This is a notable concern. Children are frequently enough more susceptible to respiratory infections due to their developing immune systems. The precarious living conditions and prevalent malnutrition in the Panzi region worsen the situation, making it essential to improve health infrastructure and access to clean water and nutrition if we are to prevent such outbreaks in the future.
Editor: You mentioned the difficulty of diagnosis in such remote areas. Why is this an issue, and what steps are being taken to confirm the nature of this disease?
Rezza: The diagnosis is indeed challenging. In remote areas like Panzi, there is limited access to laboratories that can conduct necessary tests. current protocols require samples to be sent to the capital, Kinshasa, for analysis, and this could delay identifying the pathogen responsible. Prompt support from international health organizations, including the WHO, is critical in ensuring that thes samples are analyzed quickly and efficiently.
Editor: Given the symptoms and the demographics affected, what should be the immediate public health response to mitigate further spread and fatalities?
Rezza: First and foremost, a extensive health evaluation is essential. Community health workers should be mobilized to detect and treat cases promptly. Additionally, public health education about hygiene and proper nutrition should be prioritized. implementing preventive measures, such as vaccination trials for the most vulnerable populations, could also protect children and reduce mortality rates.
Editor: It seems there is much work to be done. As we conclude, what message do you have for the international community regarding this situation?
Rezza: The international community must take this outbreak seriously and support the DRC in its public health efforts. We need resources, expertise, and a collaborative approach to not only address the immediate crisis but to strengthen the overall health infrastructure in the region to prevent similar outbreaks in the future. Solidarity and quick action can save lives.
Editor: Thank you, Professor Rezza, for providing such valuable insights into this pressing issue. We hope for a swift resolution to this outbreak and the establishment of a robust health system in the DRC.
Rezza: Thank you for having me. Let’s keep the conversation going and raise awareness about the ongoing challenges in global health.