A mysterious illness in the Democratic Republic of Congo has infected over 400 people, killing more than 30, mostly children. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), symptoms include flu-like symptoms such as headaches, cough, fever, and breathing difficulties.
The outbreak, centered in Kwango province’s Panzi health zone, is characterized by severe malnutrition, which weakens immunity. A team of experts has arrived on the scene to address the disease, which is believed to be a combination of pathogens including flu, pneumonia, and possibly a coronavirus.
The WHO is working with local authorities and other organizations to identify the pathogen responsible for the illness and understand its transmission. The Democratic Republic of Congo’s weak health system and ongoing civil war are hindering efforts to provide adequate healthcare services.
This outbreak comes as the country struggles with mpox outbreaks, which have killed over 1,150 people. A strain of mpox hit the country hard in 2024, and the WHO is also investigating a new mysterious disease that appears to be different from the one circulating in the US.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2024/12/10/world-health-organization-mystery-disease-congo/76838589007