A mysterious disease has killed at least 79 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo since late October. Laboratory testing results are expected soon, and health officials say delays in testing highlight the need for improved surveillance.
The outbreak, dubbed “Disease X”, has sickened over 376 people with flu-like symptoms. Almost 200 of those affected are children under five years old. Initial reports of fever, headache, cough, and breathing difficulties emerged on October 24 in the Panzi health zone of southwestern Kwango province. National authorities were alerted on December 1.
Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-05/mystery-flu-like-disease-x-probed-after-killing-79-in-congo