Read on Fatshimetrie: A mysterious disease is afflicting the Panzi region, Kwango province. Since December 4, 2024, the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (COUSP), under the aegis of the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), has been studying an alarming report on this epidemic of undetermined origin. In just a few weeks, 12 new cases have been recorded, accompanied by 3 tragic deaths, bringing the total to 394 cases and 30 deaths since the start of the epidemic.
The data reveals that the spread of the disease mainly takes place within households, where parents often infect their own children, or vice versa. Dr. Kitenge Richard, signatory of the report, highlights the challenges encountered on the ground, highlighting a critical lack of logistical means to support medical teams, insufficient funds to finance operations, and an insufficient number of epidemiologists deployed on site, with only two experts present.
The challenges of patient care are exacerbated by the absence of pre-positioned emergency drug kits, personnel trained in integrated disease surveillance and response, and the absence of an effective early warning system. These shortcomings seriously hamper efforts to contain the outbreak.
In addition, the Panzi area is regularly affected by other health scourges such as Konzo, cholera, malaria and salmonellosis, diseases often exacerbated by high rates of malnutrition among children and adolescents. This recurring health fragility amplifies the devastating impact of the current disease.
At a press conference in Kinshasa on December 5, Health Minister Roger Kamba raised the possibility that this disease is linked to a severe form of seasonal flu, causing serious respiratory problems. The epidemic, first reported on October 24, is currently raging in 7 of the 30 health areas in the Panzi area, including Makita Panzi, Tsakala Panzi, Kambandambi, Kasanji, Kiama, Kanzangi and Mwiningulu.
The critical situation in Panzi requires urgent mobilization to stem the spread of this as yet unidentified disease. The authorities are launching an urgent appeal for solidarity and rapid action to help the affected populations and stop the progression of this scourge that threatens the health and lives of the region’s inhabitants. Stay connected to follow the evolution of this worrying health situation on Fatshimetrie.