A mysterious disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo is spreading primarily among children and malnourished individuals, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.
Between October 24 and December 5, 406 cases were reported in the Panzi health zone of the southwestern Kwango Province, including 31 deaths.
The disease, whose cause remains unidentified, presents with symptoms such as fever, headache, cough, runny nose, and body aches. The majority of those affected are children under five years old, with severe cases primarily among those who are severely malnourished.
In response to the outbreak, the WHO has deployed experts to the region to investigate the disease and assess the situation. Health authorities are closely monitoring the spread of the disease and working to prevent further cases.
“The area is rural and remote, with access further hindered by the ongoing rainy season,” the UN’s health agency added. “These challenges, coupled with limited diagnostics in the region, have delayed the identification of the underlying cause.”
The statement said malaria is common in the area and could contribute to the cases. Experts say more than one disease may be contributing to the cases.
