The post Alarm in Africa due to strange disease: More than 70 dead and almost 400 infected in two months appeared first on Minuto30.
https://staticprd.minuto30.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/variante-covid.jpg
Minuto30.com .- The Democratic Republic of the Congo is on health alert after the death of dozens of people due to a disease of still unknown origin. According to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO), the first cases began to be detected at the end of October, and since then the number of infected people continues to increase, which has generated great concern among local authorities.
Although the information available is limited, the first diagnoses suggest that the disease could be respiratory, as indicated by Jean Kaseya, director of the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Congolese Health Minister Roger Kamba confirmed this Thursday that at least 71 people have died from the disease. In addition, it is estimated that 380 people have been affected so far, half of whom are under five years old.
The first cases were detected on October 24 in the province of Kwango, on the border with Angola. The deaths occurred between November 10 and 25.
Authorities are working to contain the spread of the disease and understand its origin, while the international community closely monitors developments in this case.
Here more International News
The post Alarm in Africa due to strange disease: More than 70 dead and almost 400 infected in two months appeared first on Minuto30.
2024-12-06 06:44:00
#Alarm #Africa #due #strange #disease #dead #infected #months
What challenges are typically encountered when identifying a novel pathogen, and what resources are essential for such an investigation?
**Interviewer:** Joining us now is Dr. Alex Reed, an epidemiologist with expertise in infectious diseases. Dr. Alex Reed, this new disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is causing a great deal of concern. What are your initial thoughts on this situation?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** This is certainly a worrying development. While the information is still limited, the fact that we have seen a significant number of deaths and infections in such a short time frame is definitely cause for alarm.
**Interviewer:** The Congolese Health Minister has confirmed at least 71 deaths and almost 400 infected. What needs to be done to contain this outbreak and prevent it from spreading further?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** Swift action is critical. This includes immediate efforts to isolate and treat infected individuals, as well as thorough contact tracing to identify anyone who may have been exposed. It’s also vital to implement public health measures like promoting hand hygiene and potentially restricting travel in affected areas.
**Interviewer:** Scientists are still working to identify the cause of this disease. How difficult is it to pinpoint the origin of a novel pathogen, and what kind of resources are needed for this investigation?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** Identifying a new pathogen can be a complex and time-consuming process. It involves collecting samples from infected individuals, isolating the pathogen, and then carefully analyzing its genetic makeup. This requires specialized laboratory facilities, skilled personnel, and international collaboration to share information and expertise.
**Interviewer:** Given past experiences with Ebola and other outbreaks in Africa, many people may be feeling anxious about this new threat. What message would you have for the public?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** It’s natural to feel concerned, but I urge everyone to stay informed through reliable sources like the World Health Organization and local health authorities. Following public health recommendations, practicing good hygiene, and remaining calm are crucial steps we can all take during situations like this.
