Congo on alert New cases of "Disease X" - now almost 400 patients
Too few epidemiologists, too little medication, but new cases of the disease: The situation in the region of Congo affected by "disease X" remains worrying.
07.12.2024, 11:32
07.12.2024, 11:34
dpa
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- On October 24, a new disease emerged in Congo, which is now referred to as "Disease X".
- The disease causes flu-like symptoms and can be fatal.
- Initially there was talk of 30 patients, but now there are said to be 394.
- There is conflicting information about the number of deaths.
The number of people who have fallen ill with a previously unknown disease in the southwest of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has risen to 394, according to the health crisis center.
The situation in the Panzi region remains worrying, according to a report published in Congolese media. In addition, there are logistical problems for the health teams and medical staff deployed in the remote area, which has a poor road network.
There are only two epidemiologists on site. There is also a lack of emergency medication and an early warning system. This makes the response to what is now known as "disease X" with flu-like symptoms particularly complicated.
While the first case of the disease was recorded on October 24, it was not until December 1 that an alert was received by the Central African country's national health authority.
WHO sends experts
In the meantime, the World Health Organization (WHO) has also announced that it is sending teams of experts to provide support. Congolese Health Minister Roger Kamba had declared that the authorities in his country were on high alert. The first laboratory results from patient samples are expected this weekend.
There are now differing figures on the number of deaths. The health authorities in the affected province of Kwango had already spoken of more than 130 deceased patients days ago - but the crisis center's report now mentions 30 deaths.
While one count only includes patients who died in the health centers, the other includes all those who died at home without medical treatment but had the same symptoms.
