Urgent Action Needed to Identify New Disease Outbreak in DRC

The Africa CDC is working with DRC authorities to identify a new disease outbreak, termed Disease X, that has resulted in at least 79 deaths and is affecting mainly children. Urgent action is required to improve disease surveillance and laboratory capabilities in the DRC, as experts investigate potential causes, including influenza and COVID-19. Enhanced hygiene practices and timely reporting of symptoms are essential to address this public health crisis.

The African Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is urgently collaborating with local authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to identify an outbreak of a new disease that has resulted in at least 79 fatalities and affected hundreds of individuals. Dr. Jean Kaseya, the director-general of Africa CDC, called for rapid results from medical teams, expressing concern over the weak surveillance systems that have delayed identification of the disease. The outbreak was first detected in late October in the Panzi district of Kwango province, which borders Angola, and is currently referred to as Disease X pending laboratory analysis. The disease is characterized by flu-like symptoms and primarily affects young individuals, including many children under five years old.

The outbreak of this unidentified disease in the DRC is occurring against the backdrop of an existing mpox outbreak in Africa, which has already impacted 20 countries. Africa CDC is seeking to address the underlying weaknesses in the DRC’s healthcare infrastructure, particularly the laboratory capacities which hinder timely analysis of disease samples. The urgency of this situation has prompted calls for improved hygiene practices, enhanced surveillance at points of entry, and a coordinated response led by relevant health authorities.

In conclusion, the DRC is facing a serious health emergency with the outbreak of a mysterious disease that has claimed numerous lives. Immediate and concerted efforts are required to strengthen disease surveillance and laboratory capabilities. The Africa CDC and other health organizations are actively working to address these issues and prevent further loss of life. Prompt reporting of symptoms and adherence to health guidelines will be essential in combating the spread of this disease.

Original Source: www.voanews.com