Kwango Credit Wikipedia
For the past 4 days Pathfinder on FluTrackers has been documenting an outbreak in Kwango state, in the west of the DRC, where initially 67 fatalities were reported between November 10th - 25th. Symptoms were described as `flu-like', including fever, headache, cough and anemia.
#18,461
We see`Mystery' disease outbreaks reported fairly often around the globe - often from remote regions with limited medical resources - and while initially mysterious, most turn out to caused by something relatively common (e.g., Malaria, Dengue, Influenza, Measles, alcohol poisoning, etc.).
Of course, every once in awhile, something new - or at least unexpected - is the cause.
For the past 4 days Pathfinder on FluTrackers has been documenting an outbreak in Kwango state, in the west of the DRC, where initially 67 fatalities were reported between November 10th - 25th. Symptoms were described as `flu-like', including fever, headache, cough and anemia.
Yesterday, Reuters reported more than a doubling of fatalities (n=143), and that the WHO had been notified, but no cause has been determined. According to a local epidemiologist, women and children were the most severely affected.
While there is still no indication as to what this might be caused by, overnight the DRC issued a communique on their Facebook page (h/t Pathfinder), which describes the current situation.
Translation:
DEMOCRAT THAT DUTHE GOVERNMENT *OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASEWorrying situation in the Panzi health zone, Kwango provinceSince October 24, 2024, a disease of still unknown origin has been raging in Kwango province, specifically in the Panzi health zone. To date, this disease has caused the death of 79 people, the majority of whom are children over 15 years old, and has affected 376 people.Symptoms reported
- Fever,
- in patients include:
- Headaches,
- Runny nose and cough,
- Breathing difficulty,
- Anemia.
The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Security expresses its deep compassion to the families affected by this tragedy and sends them its most sincere condolences.In order to provide a rapid and effective response to this worrying situation, the Ministry, through the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) and the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (COUSP), has dispatched a rapid response team to the affected area.This team's mission is to:
1. Ensure immediate management of reported cases,2. Take samples frompatients for laboratory analysis,3. Conduct in-depth field investigations to identify the nature of this disease.
Laboratory test results will be communicated as soon as they are available, and regular updates will be shared with the population and partners.Pending the conclusions of the ongoing investigations, the Ministry calls on the population to remain calm, vigilant and to strictly respect the following preventive measures:
1. Avoid mass gatherings,2. Report any suspected cases or unusual deaths to local health authorities,3. Observe basic hygiene rules, including regular hand washing with soap and water,4. Do not handle the remains without the intervention of authorized health workers.
The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Security reaffirms its commitment to protecting the population and working closely with its national and international partners to provide a rapid and effective response to this health crisis.For any information or assistance, the population is invited to contact the call center at the free number: 151.(and if)MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH, HYGIENE AND SOCIAL SECURITY
While I'll report back when (and if) we find out what is behind this outbreak, those who wish to keep closer tabs on this story will want to follow the FluTrackers Thread.
