WHO dispatches experts to probe mysterious illness in DR Congo
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Friday that it is sending experts to the Democratic Republic of Congo to assist health authorities in investigating an unidentified illness that has been linked to multiple deaths in a remote region.
The disease has so far led to 394 reported cases and 30 deaths in the Panzi locality in southwestern Kwango province.
WHO experts are heading to the area with essential medicines and diagnostic kits to help determine the illness’s cause. Laboratory tests are currently underway, and the organization is committed to sharing more information as it becomes available.
Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s regional director for Africa, emphasized the priority of supporting the affected families and communities. “Our priority is to provide effective support to the affected families and communities,” Moeti said. “All efforts are underway to identify the cause of the illness, understand its modes of transmission and ensure appropriate response as swiftly as possible.”
Local authorities reported that 143 people had died from the illness in November alone. The symptoms of the illness include headache, cough, fever, breathing difficulties, and anaemia.
The WHO continues to monitor the situation closely and provide necessary resources to help contain the outbreak.
