The World Health Organization (WHO) is investigating a mysterious flu-like illness, referred to as “Disease X,” after a surge in cases was reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Since October 24, a total of 406 cases have been recorded in the Panzi health zone of the country’s southwest, a rise from 376 cases reported last week. The disease, which presents symptoms like fever, headache, cough, runny nose, and body aches, has primarily affected children under the age of 5.
Despite the increase in cases, the number of reported deaths has decreased significantly, from 79 to 31. The outbreak is concentrated in Kwango province, a remote rural area with difficult access due to poor road conditions and heavy rainfall, which complicates efforts to confirm fatalities and gather accurate data. The region’s isolation has hindered the investigation and delayed diagnostic testing.
WHO teams are conducting laboratory tests, gathering more clinical details on affected individuals, and working to identify the disease’s cause. Possible causes being considered include acute pneumonia, influenza, COVID-19, measles, and malaria, given the similarity of symptoms. Severe malnutrition among the patients has further complicated the identification of an infectious agent.
While a 50-year-old male traveler who was hospitalized in Italy is suspected to have recovered from the illness, the full scope of the disease remains unclear. WHO is actively working with local health authorities to improve patient care and raise awareness in affected communities. The organization is also investigating potential transmission patterns to understand how the illness is spreading.
As the investigation continues, the WHO has emphasized the urgency of addressing both the health crisis and the logistical challenges of responding to the outbreak in a remote and hard-to-reach area.
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