By Blessing Chinagorom
The World Health Organization has said it has deployed experts to carry out further investigations to determine the cause of a yet undiagnosed disease reported in Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a statement released by the Agency on Friday revealed that a yet undiagnosed disease was reported in Panzi, a locality in Kwango province in the southwest of the country while laboratory tests are being conducted to determine the cause.
The Ministry of Public Health said, 394 cases and 30 deaths were reported so far in Panzi health zone. Symptoms of the illness include headache, cough, fever, breathing difficulties and anaemia. Until laboratory test results are received, the cause is unclear. 
WHO said these experts are joining the National Rapid Response Team and are on their way to Panzi, adding that the team comprises epidemiologists, clinicians, laboratory technicians and infection prevention and control, and risk communication experts.
According to the Agency, “An initial local WHO team has been supporting the health authorities in Kwango since end of Nov to reinforce disease surveillance and identify cases”.
The experts being deployed are also delivering essential medicines, diagnostic and sample collection kits to help rapidly analyse and determine the cause of the illness. The team will focus on strengthening response measures such as epidemiological investigation and collection of samples for testing, active case finding, treatment and public awareness activities.
The team will also work with community leaders to support disease surveillance and promote measures to prevent infection and to identify and report further cases.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti said, “Our priority is to provide effective support to the affected families and communities. All efforts are underway to identify the cause of the illness, understand its modes of transmission and ensure appropriate response as swiftly as possible”.
The Ministry of Public Health said, 394 cases and 30 deaths were reported so far in Panzi health zone. Symptoms of the illness include headache, cough, fever, breathing difficulties and anaemia. Until laboratory test results are received, the cause is unclear.
Panzi is a rural community located more than 700 km from the capital Kinshasa. Access by road is difficult and communication network is limited. So far, the disease was reported in seven of the 30 health zones in Kwango province.
It was added that most cases are reported in three of the seven affected health zones. A respiratory pathogen such as Influenza or COVID-19 is being investigated as a possible cause, as well as malaria, measles and others.
