'Mysterious' disease in Congo: Vietnam assesses risk

The outbreak of a 'mystery' disease of unknown cause in Congo is being closely monitored and assessed by Vietnam. The WHO has determined that malaria may be causing or contributing to the emergence of cases of unknown cause.

Disease of unknown cause

This afternoon, December 12, according to information from the Ministry of Health, the National Focal Point for the International Health Regulations (IHR) received information from the World Health Organization (WHO) about a disease of unknown cause in the Panzi area, Kwango province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Malaria may be causing or contributing to the emergence of unexplained cases in Congo

PHOTO: WHO

There have been 406 cases of an unknown disease. Symptoms include fever, headache, cough, runny nose and muscle pain. The cases are mainly children (53% of cases are under 5 years old) and severe cases are severely malnourished. Latest surveillance results: 10/12 initial samples tested positive for malaria; 79 deaths. Currently, WHO believes that malaria is a common disease in this area and may be causing or contributing to the emergence of cases. Infection prevention and control measures are being strengthened. Health and care workers have been informed about key measures, including the use of masks, proper handwashing and gloves, to reduce the risk of further transmission.

Low risk at global level

WHO also said that the outbreak area is a rural area, in a remote province far from the capital Kinshasa. This area has poor health conditions, low vaccination rates, limited access to diagnosis and case management. In this locality, it is the rainy season, so access to health services is very difficult (affecting the identification of the cause of the disease). WHO assesses the risk level for affected communities in the outbreak area as high based on information on limited provision and access to health services; low vaccination rates; very difficult transportation in the area and at the same time records initial information on clusters of cases in family clusters, indicating the possibility of spreading within households. At the national level of DRC, the risk is considered moderate because the current outbreak is localized in the Panzi area. At the regional and global levels, WHO assesses the risk level as low; Only pay attention to monitoring at the border with neighboring countries near the epidemic area. In Vietnam, the Department of Preventive Medicine (Ministry of Health) is continuing to monitor the development of the epidemic situation; coordinating with WHO and other countries to update and share information about the epidemic. In case of new developments, the Department of Preventive Medicine will coordinate with WHO, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and related units to assess the risk to propose appropriate responses.

Thanhnien.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/benh-bi-an-tai-congo-viet-nam-danh-gia-nguy-co-185241212181000467.htm