An outbreak of 406 cases of an unknown illness has occurred in the southwestern Kwango Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in 31 deaths.
The World Health Organization (WHO) indicated that the risk posed by the outbreak is only moderate at the national level and lower at the regional and global levels.
WHO stated that based on the clinical presentation of patients, reported symptoms, and related deaths, acute pneumonia, influenza, COVID-19, measles, and malaria may be contributory factors. However, the exact cause requires further investigation and laboratory testing for confirmation.
According to the report, the common symptoms of this unknown illness include fever and cough, with all severe cases showing severe malnutrition.
WHO recommends strengthening coordination mechanisms at national, provincial, and local levels in the affected areas to improve surveillance and prevent potential cross-border spread.
A quick response team has been dispatched by WHO to assist in the investigation.