A mysterious outbreak in the southwestern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to deploy an expert team to support local investigators. The outbreak, which began in late October, is believed to have originated in a remote area of Kwango province and has reported 394 cases, including 30 fatalities.
Symptoms of the illness include fever, headache, cough, breathing difficulties, and anemia. The WHO team will work alongside local authorities to identify the cause of the outbreak, understand its transmission modes, and provide essential medicines and diagnostic kits.
The investigation is ongoing, with results expected within 48 hours. Meanwhile, other countries are taking precautions against potential travel-related illnesses. Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection has increased screening for travelers arriving from areas where the DRC typically sends its citizens, while a patient in Ohio who traveled from Tanzania has been released from hospital after being evaluated for flu-like symptoms.
The WHO’s priority is to provide effective support to affected families and communities, ensuring rapid response and swift identification of the cause.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/misc-emerging-topics/who-deploys-expert-team-dr-congo-assist-undiagnosed-outbreak-probe