WHO Responds to Mystery Disease Outbreak in DR Congo
Over 400 cases of a flu-like illness, dubbed “Disease X,” have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kwango province since October, resulting in 31 deaths. The outbreak, primarily affecting children under five, is complicated by remote location, poor infrastructure, and high rates of malnutrition among severe cases. A suspected case in Italy suggests potential international spread. The WHO is on the ground conducting investigations and laboratory testing to identify the causative agent and understand the transmission dynamics.
John Q. Hosedrinker