Urgent Action Needed as New Disease Outbreak Emerges in DRC
The Africa CDC is urgently investigating a new disease outbreak in the DRC that has caused at least 79 deaths and hundreds of infections. Named Disease X, it presents flu-like symptoms, with potential links to several viruses under examination. Experts stress the need for enhanced hygiene practices and robust surveillance systems to manage the situation effectively.
The Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is actively working to identify a new and deadly disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that has resulted in at least 79 fatalities and infected hundreds more. Dr. Jean Kaseya, the director-general of Africa CDC, expressed urgency for immediate results from health professionals and researchers involved in investigating this outbreak, emphasizing the inadequacies of the current surveillance system that has led to delays in identifying diseases in the past.
This unidentified disease, referred to as Disease X, was first detected in late October in the Panzi district of Kwango province, close to the Angolan border. The World Health Organization (WHO) has deployed experts to assist with the investigation, focusing on flu-like symptoms with unknown origins. Possible viral influences being examined include influenza, COVID-19, malaria, and measles.
Experts are advising the public to maintain calm while enhancing hygiene practices. Dr. Norman Matara, the secretary-general of the Southern African Association of Doctors for Human Rights, urged for improved surveillance at entry points to detect unusual illnesses swiftly. A call for a coordinated response led by the Africa CDC was also made to prevent further loss of lives amidst this outbreak.
Dr. Akili Cishugi Francis, a coordinator with the Kinshasa-based NGO Action Asante, emphasized the need for immediate action when symptoms arise, which include headaches, breathing difficulties, and flu-like symptoms. He advocated for rigorous hygiene practices, isolation of suspected cases, and prompt reporting of any suspicious symptoms to health authorities. It has been noted that this disease seems to predominantly affect young individuals, particularly children under five years of age.
Dr. Kaseya highlighted the importance of establishing laboratory capabilities within DRC, not only for the present outbreak but also for managing potential future incidents. He noted that fewer than 35% of samples reach laboratories within the recommended 48 hours, indicating significant quality and timeliness concerns regarding the sample testing process. Simultaneously, DRC is still combating the mpox outbreak, which has impacted 20 African nations, resulting in over 62,000 cases and 1,200 deaths since January 2024.
In recent months, the Democratic Republic of Congo has faced a serious health crisis with a yet-to-be-identified disease outbreak. The Africa CDC has highlighted the urgency in determining the nature of this disease, which has already claimed lives and poses a risk of further spread. Their ongoing efforts with local health authorities aim to improve detection and response capabilities, given that the region is currently also dealing with the mpox outbreak. This urgent situation underscores the need for better surveillance and laboratory infrastructure in combating infectious diseases within the DRC.
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo regarding the unidentified disease outbreak remains critical. With at least 79 fatalities and hundreds infected, the Africa CDC is calling for urgent action and collaboration from health officials and researchers. Improved surveillance and rapid diagnostic capabilities are essential to effectively manage the current health crisis and prevent future outbreaks. As authorities work to unravel the complexities of this Disease X, public health measures, hygiene education, and prompt reporting of symptoms will be vital components in mitigating the impact of this outbreak.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
