“If an outbreak of this kind had been seen in Europe or Asia,the alert would be vrey high,as it is indeed not normal to have diseases with this lethality. in Africa, however, events of that type have already happened. The population is weak, there “There is poor access to health services at the moment, therefore, there is great attention and even a bit of concern.” This was stated in an interview with ‘La Repubblica’ by Gianni Rezza, infectious disease specialist and epidemiologist professor at San raffaele and previously at the Higher Institute of Health and the Ministry of Health, commenting on the mysterious disease of unknown origin which lead to over 70 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“Five years ago Covid was talked about as something that could happen but there were no certainties. With the relevant distinctions, precaution requires that nothing be ruled out. However, the elements of basis to actually understand what is happening. There is no global alert – underlines Rezza – but you have to keep your eyes open right to check who arrives. For now there is uncertainty. The symptoms are very generic but still suggest a respiratory problem.Of course, the lethality is very high, with many deaths among children under 5 years old, which is very serious. One could think of a hemorrhagic fever but from a clinical point of view the health authorities would recognize it, also because in Congo thay have experience of this type of disease.”
The infectious disease specialist highlights how the African CDCs, centers for disease control, were also immediately activated. We have a global alert system thanks to Covid. Without that the outbreak in Africa probably would have continued. And instead a health problem in a small area of the world has risen to full international attention”, concludes Rezza.
Interview with Gianni Rezza: Understanding teh Mysterious Disease Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Editor: Welcome, Dr.Rezza. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the alarming outbreak of a mysterious disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has already claimed over 70 lives. Can you provide us with an overview of the situation?
Gianni Rezza: Thank you for having me. The current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is indeed concerning. While outbreaks of this nature are somewhat familiar to Africa, the level of lethality we are witnessing is alarming, especially given the weak health infrastructure in the region. There is a significant lack of access to health services, leading to heightened attention and concern among health authorities.
Editor: You mentioned that similar outbreaks would trigger high alerts in Europe or Asia. Why do you believe this disparity exists between regions?
Gianni Rezza: In regions like Europe or Asia, healthcare systems are generally more robust, so any outbreak of this severity would elicit immediate concerns and preventive measures. in Africa, regrettably, there has been a history of such outbreaks due to poorer health systems, and the global response often varies. This should not undermine the seriousness of the situation in Africa, as the implications for public health can be devastating.
Editor: it was noted that the symptoms of this disease seem quite generic. What does that mean for health authorities?
Gianni Rezza: The symptoms appear to suggest a respiratory problem, but given their generality, it poses a challenge for accurate diagnosis. Many of the severe cases involve children under five years old, which is notably tragic. While a hemorrhagic fever might be suspected, health authorities in Congo are well-versed in recognizing such diseases. The key is to monitor and analyze the situation as it evolves.
Editor: you’ve highlighted the activation of African CDCs and the importance of global surveillance systems post-COVID. Could you elaborate on how these systems are aiding in this outbreak?
gianni Rezza: Absolutely. The African CDCs were mobilized quickly to respond to this outbreak, showcasing the importance of having robust disease control mechanisms in place. The global alert system that emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly enhanced our ability to monitor outbreaks. Our capacity to respond swiftly is crucial to preventing a localized issue from escalating into a global crisis.
Editor: What practical advice do you have for our readers concerning their health and safety considering this outbreak?
Gianni Rezza: My advice would be to remain informed but not alarmed. While it’s essential to keep our eyes open and be aware of travel advisories, we should also rely on credible sources for information. Public health measures remain our best defense. If traveling, be aware of health guidelines and seek medical attention if you exhibit any symptoms. it’s also vital to support enhanced health infrastructure in affected regions to help mitigate such outbreaks in the future.
Editor: Thank you, Dr.Rezza, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. Your expertise is invaluable in helping us understand the complexities of this outbreak.
Gianni Rezza: Thank you for the chance to discuss this critically important matter. Awareness and action are key in navigating such health challenges.
