The disease, which surfaced in late October 2024, primarily affects malnourished children under five years old and presents symptoms such as fever, headache, cough, runny nose, and body ache.
The outbreak has severely impacted nine health areas within the remote Panzi health zone of Kwango Province, with Tsakala Panzi, Makitapanzi, and Kanzangi reporting the majority of cases. The outbreak coincides with the DRC's ongoing battle against an mpox outbreak.
In a statement on Sunday, December 8, 2024, WHO said the remote and rural nature of Panzi health zone, compounded by the rainy season, has created significant logistical barriers.
'The area is rural and remote, with access further hindered by the ongoing rainy season,' WHO noted.
The health zone has no functional laboratory, requiring samples to be sent to Kinshasa for testing, further delaying diagnosis.
Efforts to pinpoint the cause of the illness are underway, with potential factors including malaria, measles, influenza, pneumonia, and COVID-19. Laboratory testing is being expedited to confirm or rule out these possibilities.
The outbreak has been worsened by malnutrition and food insecurity in the region.
To combat the crisis, rapid response teams (RRTs) from provincial and national levels have been deployed, equipped with medications and diagnostic tools. These teams are conducting active case searches, investigating community deaths, and engaging with local populations to strengthen awareness and preventive measures.
The WHO highlighted that 'infection prevention and control measures are being reinforced,' with health workers receiving training and supplies to reduce transmission risks.
Surveillance efforts have also intensified, with data collection and community-based monitoring helping to track the outbreak's dynamics.
While local risks remain high, WHO has assessed the regional and global risk as low. However, the proximity to Angola has raised concerns about potential cross-border transmission, prompting calls for enhanced coordination between the two countries.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/health/article/who-steps-up-efforts-in-investigating-mysterious-illness-in-drc
