AFRICA CDC has dispatched a team to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to investigate an unknown pathogen, identified as “Disease X,” which has caused severe illness and a high mortality rate, especially among children. The outbreak, first reported in late October, has triggered urgent responses from both local and international health authorities.
From December 5–7, Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya traveled to the DRC to engage with national authorities and assess the situation in Panzi Health Zone, the outbreak’s epicenter. With limited laboratory resources, the district, home to about 200,000 people, faced challenges in diagnosing and managing the outbreak. Samples have been sent to the national laboratory in Kinshasa, highlighting the need for decentralized laboratory infrastructure.
In collaboration with the DRC Ministry of Health and partners like the WHO and INRB, Africa CDC has strengthened surveillance efforts, providing vital molecular diagnostic tools and sequencing equipment to improve pathogen identification. The CDC has also deployed a multidisciplinary team, including epidemiologists and laboratory scientists, to assist with diagnostic testing and control measures.
Disease X represents a serious public health threat, underscoring the importance of early detection, rapid response, and the strengthening of local health infrastructure to prevent further outbreaks.
Reference: Africa CDC Deploys Experts on Investigation Mission for Disease outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo. Africa CDC. 9 December 2024. Available at: https://africacdc.org/news-item/africa-cdc-deploys-experts-on-investigation-mission-fordisease-outbreak-in-democratic-republic-of-congo/. Last accessed: 9 December 2024.
