What is the mysterious illness of Congo fever? WHO sends experts during outbreaks – nationally
The World Health Organization said on Friday it is sending experts to support health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo to investigate an undiagnosed disease linked to many deaths in a remote part of the country.
WHO experts are on their way to Panzi, which is an area in the southwest of Kwango, where they will bring essential medicines and diagnostic equipment to help analyze the cause of the disease.
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Laboratory tests are being carried out to determine the cause, the WHO said, adding that it would share more information as soon as it became available.
“What is important for us is to provide effective support to the families and communities affected,” said Matshidiso Moeti, the director of WHO’s Africa region.
“All efforts are underway to identify the cause of the illness, understand its transmission mechanisms and ensure an appropriate response as quickly as possible,” he added.
The WHO said 394 cases and 30 deaths have been reported so far in the Panzi health zone, citing data from the Department of Public Health.
Earlier this week, local authorities said an unknown disease had killed 143 people in the region in November.
Symptoms of the disease include headache, cough, fever, difficulty breathing and anemia, according to the WHO.
–Reporting by Rachel More, editing by Thomas Seythal
