Less than two weeks ago, WHO was informed of an undiagnosed disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that has now caused 416 reported cases and 31 deaths.

Most of the cases and deaths are in children under 14 years of age, in the district of Panzi, in the western Kwango province of DRC.

A provincial rapid response team was deployed on the 30th of November, which is now being supported by a national team of experts which arrived earlier today.

The affected area is remote, telecommunications are severely limited and access has been made harder by the rainy season. It has taken the national response team several days to reach Panzi.

The area also suffers from high levels of malnutrition and low vaccination coverage, leaving children vulnerable to a range of diseases including malaria, pneumonia, measles and others.

Of the 12 initial samples collected, 10 tested positive for malaria, although it’s possible that more than one disease is involved.

Further samples will be collected and tested to determine the exact cause or causes.

https://www.who.int/director-general/speeches/detail/who-director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-media-briefing---10-december-2024