WHO Experts Investigate Flu-Like Illness Linked to Dozens of Deaths in Congo

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is sending experts to southwest Congo to investigate a mysterious illness resembling the flu. This illness has resulted in numerous deaths recently. "All efforts are underway to identify the cause of the illness, understand its modes of transmission and ensure an appropriate response as swiftly as possible," stated Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO's Regional Director for Africa.

The symptoms of this illness include fever, headache, cough, and anaemia. Epidemiologists from the National Rapid Response Team are on-site to collect samples and study the disease. According to Health Minister Roger Kamba, 71 fatalities have been confirmed in the southern province of Kwango. These deaths occurred between November 10 and 25 in the Panzi health zone.

Efforts to Identify the Illness

There have been approximately 380 cases, with nearly half involving children under five years old. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reported slightly different figures: 376 cases and 79 deaths. Jean Kaseya, head of Africa CDC, attributed this discrepancy to issues with surveillance and case definition.

"First diagnostics are leading us to think it is a respiratory disease," said Kaseya. "But we need to wait for the laboratory results." The Panzi health zone is about 700 kilometres from Kinshasa, making access difficult. It took two days for epidemiological experts to reach there, according to Congo's health minister.

Challenges in Addressing the Outbreak

Due to limited testing facilities, samples had to be transported over 500 kilometres to Kikwit for analysis. Dieudonné Mwamba from the National Institute for Public Health mentioned that Panzi is a "fragile" area, with 40% of residents suffering from malnutrition. The region also faced a typhoid fever epidemic two years ago and is currently experiencing a seasonal flu resurgence.

Oscar Kazwa, a Panzi resident, shared that his daughter succumbed to the mysterious disease two weeks ago. "She had a high fever, coughing, vomiting and was very weak," Kazwa said. "As there was no adequate care, she died." WHO experts are collaborating with the National Rapid Response Team in Panzi to address the outbreak.

Collaborative Efforts and Community Involvement

The team includes epidemiologists and clinicians who will provide medicines and sample kits to help identify the disease's cause. They will also work with community leaders to improve surveillance and promote infection prevention measures. Since late November, a local WHO team has been assisting Kwango's health authorities with disease monitoring.

While Minister Kamba mentioned no reports of the illness outside Panzi health zone, WHO noted that it has been detected in seven out of 30 health zones within Kwango province. The situation remains under close observation as efforts continue to contain and understand this mysterious illness.