KEY POINTS
- WHO experts are investigating a mysterious illness in Congo.
- 394 cases and 30 deaths reported, with 143 deaths in November.
- Symptoms include headache, fever, breathing difficulties, and anaemia.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has dispatched a team of experts to the Democratic Republic of Congo to assist health authorities in diagnosing a mysterious illness that has caused multiple deaths in the country’s remote southwestern region.
WHO takes action to investigate disease outbreak
The WHO’s response came after local health officials reported alarming figures regarding the unidentified disease in Panzi, a locality in the Kwango province.
As of Friday, WHO confirmed that 394 cases and 30 deaths had been reported, with an additional 143 deaths reported in the previous month. The experts are tasked with providing diagnostic support and delivering essential medicines to the affected area.
WHO regional director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, stressed the urgency of the situation. “Our priority is to provide effective support to the affected families and communities,” she said. Moeti assured the public that swift action is underway to understand the disease, its transmission, and how best to respond.
Mystery disease linked to widespread symptoms
The WHO shared that the symptoms of the disease are severe and include headaches, cough, fever, breathing difficulties, and anaemia. These troubling signs have prompted immediate action from health authorities in both the affected communities and from international experts.
The WHO’s response comes as laboratory tests are underway to determine the cause of the illness. No concrete diagnosis has yet been made, but the organization has promised to provide updates as new information becomes available.
As the investigation continues, the WHO is prioritizing the safety of the affected population and working to prevent the disease from spreading further.
According to Reuters, local authorities in the region had previously reported that the illness, which remains unidentified, claimed the lives of 143 people during November alone.
Also, these high death tolls have raised concern about the potential for a larger outbreak, with experts working to quickly identify the pathogen and control its spread.
WHO prioritizes swift and effective response
Moeti emphasized the importance of a quick response to minimize further harm. “All efforts are underway to identify the cause of the illness, understand its modes of transmission, and ensure appropriate response as swiftly as possible,” she said.
As the WHO continues its investigation, it remains focused on delivering the necessary medical support to Congo’s health authorities.
The agency is also collaborating with local officials to ensure that proper public health measures are implemented to contain the disease and prevent it from reaching neighboring areas.
Moreover, the response is a part of the WHO’s broader commitment to supporting global health systems and responding rapidly to outbreaks in vulnerable regions.
While it is still too early to determine the full scope of the illness, the WHO is determined to provide assistance and support as it works alongside Congolese authorities to control the situation.
