Just four months after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency due to mpox, which has overwhelmed the health care system in the Democratic Republic of the Congo this year – appeared there a new mysterious flu-like disease.
From October 24 in Democratic Republic of the Congo noted 514 cases of unidentified disease – Al Jazeera reports, citing data from the World Health Organization (WHO).
A mysterious disease in Africa. The first research results are available
Specialists rushed to the site. After carrying out first tests and sample collection from patients, WHO representatives indicated that the development of the disease may be related to malaria.
Tedros Adhanom, Director-General of WHO, said that 10 out of 12 samples tested from sick people gave results positive for malaria. However, he added that it is also possible that “more than one disease is involved.”
Experts point out that in order to determine the exact causes of the outbreak, they will need to collect more samples and conduct further tests.
Unknown disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Research is ongoing
As previously reported, teams of experts are investigating transmission dynamics and are actively seeking additional casesboth in health care settings and at the community level. They also help treat patients.
Taking into account the reported clinical signs and symptoms and a number of related deathsacute pneumonia, influenza, COVID-19, measles and malaria are considered potential causative factors, and malnutrition is co-existing factor.
Unknown disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. GIS message
At the beginning of December, GIS also commented on the reports coming from the African country.
Additionally, it was recommended to exercise caution towards people arriving from the described region with symptoms of respiratory infections.
On the other hand leaving for the Democratic Republic of the Congo should “exercise particular caution, follow messages local authorities and WHO.