A mysterious disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is primarily affecting children and those suffering from severe malnutrition, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Between October 24 and December 5, the disease has led to 406 recorded cases, including 31 deaths. The outbreak is centered in the Panzi health zone of Kwango Province, a remote and rural region in the southwest of the country.
Key Symptoms:
- Fever
- Headache
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Body aches
At-Risk Population:
The majority of severe cases are among severely malnourished individuals, particularly children under five years old.
Challenges in Diagnosis:
The region’s remoteness, ongoing rainy season, and limited medical diagnostics are hindering the identification of the disease’s exact cause. Experts believe that malaria, which is prevalent in the area, may be a contributing factor. Additionally, there is a possibility that multiple diseases could be causing the reported cases.
The WHO has deployed experts to investigate the outbreak further, aiming to determine the disease’s cause and provide targeted interventions.
