Threat LensBiologicalCongo disease, updates: 406 suspected cases, 31 deaths

Congo disease, updates: 406 suspected cases, 31 deaths

Type of event:
Disease/Outbreak, Public Health

Victims

31

Wounded

406

Date

December 9, 2024

What happened

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released new data on the emergence of an undiagnosed disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). From October to December 2024, 406 suspected cases of the disease were recorded in the Panzi health zone in Kwango province. During the same period, there were 31 associated mortalities. The WHO reports that all severe cases are malnourished, mainly children under 5. The area is rural and remote, with poor access during the ongoing rainy season. These challenges have been further compounded by the paucity of diagnostic resources available in the region, which has contributed to the delay in identifying the primary culprit behind the disease, WHO underscore. Multiple factors may be contributing to the cases and deaths. Some known illnesses, including acute pneumonia, influenza, and malaria, may have played a role. Laboratory tests are currently underway to determine the cause of the disease. The Italian Ministry of Health has recently issued an alert to operators of USMAF, the Maritime, Air, and Border Health Offices of the same ministry, in anticipation of potential arrivals from the DRC. Nevertheless, at this time, there is no significant risk.

Where it happened

Main sources