The Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded 406 cases and 31 deaths of an undiagnosed disease Between 24 October and 5 December 2024, Panzi health zone in Kwango Province.
According to the statement released by World Health Organization on Sunday, stated that these cases has symptoms of fever, headache, cough, runny nose and body ache and all severe cases were reported to be severely malnourished.
WHO revealed further that the majority of cases reported are most children, particularly those under five years of age and the area is rural and remote, with access hindered by the ongoing rainy season. “Reaching it from Kinshasa by road takes an estimated 48 hours.
“These challenges, coupled with limited diagnostics in the region, have delayed the identification of the underlying cause. Rapid response teams have been deployed to identify the cause of the outbreak and strengthen the response.
“The teams are collecting samples for laboratory testing, providing a more detailed clinical characterization of the detected cases, investigating transmission dynamics, and actively searching for additional cases, both within health facilities and at the community level. 
“The teams are also aiding with the treatment of patients, risk communication and community engagement. Given clinical presentation and symptoms reported.
“And a number of associated deaths, acute pneumonia, influenza, COVID-19, measles and malaria being considered as potential causal factors with malnutrition as a contributing factor”, WHO analyzied.
The Agency disclosed that malaria is a common disease in this area, and it may be causing or contributing to cases. “Laboratory tests are underway to determine the exact cause. At this stage, it is also possible that more than one disease is contributing to the cases and deaths”.
