The World Health Organization (WHO) sent experts to the Democratic Republic of Congo to support the investigation of the disease of unknown origin in Kwango province.
The WHO team of experts includes epidemiologists, clinicians, laboratory technicians, infection prevention and risk communication experts. They plan to coordinate with the National Rapid Response Team and Kwango health agency to strengthen disease surveillance. This area started recording cases from the end of November.
Experts carry essential medicines, test kits and collect patient samples to analyze the cause of the disease. The group focuses on strengthening response measures such as epidemiological investigation, contact tracing, treatment and raising public awareness. Experts also coordinate with local leaders to promote infection prevention and identify and report new cases.
“Our priority is to effectively support affected families and communities, focusing all efforts on finding the source of the disease, the mode of transmission and ensuring an appropriate response as quickly as possible.” , said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
Children receive medical examination in Congo. Image: Xinhua
According to the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of Congo, to date Panzi has reported 394 cases and 30 deaths. Symptoms include headache, cough, fever, difficulty breathing and anemia. The cause of the disease is still unclear.
Panzi is a rural community located more than 700 km from the capital Kinshasa. Roads are difficult and communication networks are limited. To date, 7 out of 30 health zones in Kwango province have recorded cases, most concentrated in three areas. Officials are investigating the causes of respiratory diseases such as flu, Covid-19, malaria, measles and other diseases.
WHO is committed to sharing more information about efforts to identify the disease as soon as possible. According to the agency, the new disease appears in the context that the country is under pressure from many other epidemics, especially monkeypox, with more than 47,000 suspected cases and more than 1,000 deaths.