The threat of the flu named ‘Disease X’ is increasing in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Most of the patients of this flu are being seen in the Panjhi Health Zone, the southwestern region of the country. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, 406 cases have been reported till December 5. This is 376 more than the previous week.
The disease is characterised by fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and chills. This has had a particular impact on children under the age of 5.
The number of deaths from the flu
According to the WHO, 31 deaths have been recorded so far from the disease, which is less than the 79 deaths recorded last week. The outbreak is mainly concentrated in Kwango province, a remote and rural area. It is very difficult to reach here due to bad roads and heavy rains. It can take up to 48 hours to reach the affected area from the capital Kinshasa, making it challenging for health authorities to screen the area and deliver help.
These transportation problems, as well as a lack of medical resources, have also hampered efforts to confirm the causes of the deaths. In addition, the situation of some patients affected by severe malnutrition has further complicated matters, making it difficult to identify the source of infection.
WHO’s efforts and investigations
The WHO has sent a team to investigate and manage the outbreak. According to media reports, the organization believes that these challenges, as well as limited diagnostic facilities in the area, have delayed the identification of the cause of this disease. The team is conducting a thorough clinical investigation of the case, collecting samples and studying how the disease is spreading in communities and health centres.
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An examination of the possible causes
Health officials have identified diseases such as acute pneumonia, influenza, COVID-19, measles and malaria as possible causes for the outbreak. Malaria patients are more in this area due to which this flu is spreading more rapidly. Lab tests are being conducted to determine the cause of this outbreak, according to WHO. It is also possible that more than one disease is contributing to these cases and deaths. Meanwhile, the team members who reached the spot are treating the patients and trying to raise awareness about the disease in the affected communities. The presence of multiple diseases has made diagnosis and treatment even more complex, making it extremely important to control the outbreak and save lives.
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