Health officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are racing to identify the cause of a mysterious outbreak, dubbed “Disease X,” that has claimed at least 79 lives and sickened hundreds since late October.
Nearly 200 of the 376 infected individuals are children under the age of five, according to Jean Kaseya, director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The outbreak, which presents with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, cough, breathing difficulties, and anemia, was first detected on October 24 in the Panzi health zone, located in the southwestern province of Kwango. National authorities were alerted on December 1.
Investigation Underway
- Delayed Detection: Kaseya noted a five- to six-week delay in identifying the outbreak, which he said could have allowed the situation to worsen. “Ongoing testing will help us understand what is happening,” he said during a briefing on Thursday.
- Airborne Transmission Likely: Dieudonné Muamba, director general of the National Public Health Institute, suggested that the illness is likely airborne, given its rapid spread during a period of increased influenza activity.
- Testing in Progress: Patient samples are being analyzed at a national laboratory in Kinshasa, over 500 kilometers (311 miles) from the outbreak zone. Initial test results are expected within 48 hours, with findings to be released by the weekend.
Africa CDC’s Role and Broader Implications
Africa CDC is assisting Congolese authorities by deploying epidemiologists, lab scientists, and infection prevention experts. Kaseya emphasized that this outbreak underscores the challenges of disease detection in the DRC, a vast country frequently grappling with concurrent deadly outbreaks.
“This highlights the need for stronger disease surveillance systems,” Kaseya said, adding that Africa CDC is committed to helping the DRC enhance its capacity for early detection and response.
The outbreak has drawn international attention due to its severity and the uncertainty surrounding the pathogen, with health officials calling for vigilance as investigations continue.
