Christian Musema, a laboratory nurse, takes a sample from a child declared a suspected case Mpox - an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus that spark-off a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever; at the the treatment centre in Munigi, following Mpox cases in Nyiragongo territory near Goma, North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo July 19, 2024. REUTERS/Arlette Bashizi
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported an outbreak of an unknown disease in the Banzi region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Over 400 people have been infected since October, with 31 fatalities. Local health authorities have also identified additional deaths outside healthcare facilities, which are under investigation.
The WHO highlighted that most cases involve children under the age of five. Potential causes being considered include severe pneumonia, influenza, COVID-19, measles, and malaria. Malnutrition may also be a contributing factor.
Malaria, a common disease in the region, is suspected as either a primary or contributing cause. Laboratory tests are underway to determine the exact source, with the possibility that multiple diseases are involved.
Locally referred to as « Disease X, » symptoms include fever, headaches, coughing, runny nose, and body aches.
