Health officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are racing against time to identify a mysterious illness that has infected 376 people and claimed 79 lives. The disease, first reported in Kwango province, presents flu-like symptoms, including fever, headaches, nasal congestion, cough, difficulty breathing, and anaemia, according to the Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene, and Social Security.

In an alert posted on X (formerly Twitter), the ministry confirmed that the origin of the illness remains unknown, sparking widespread concern. The outbreak’s location and its symptoms have alarmed health experts worldwide.

Dr Abraar Karan, an infectious disease specialist at Stanford Medicine, expressed concern about the outbreak's potential links to zoonotic diseases. He explained that the DRC’s high interaction levels between humans and wildlife could raise the likelihood of pathogens jumping from animals to humans. "Many animal infections that transmit from animal to human can cause pretty severe disease," he noted, emphasizing the urgency of identifying the pathogen.

Local health authorities are employing a stepwise approach to determine the cause of the outbreak. Initial tests will screen for common infections such as influenza and malaria. If those tests yield no results, more advanced methods like genetic sequencing of tissue, blood, mucus, or bone marrow samples from affected individuals will be undertaken.

However, the DRC faces significant hurdles due to its weak healthcare infrastructure. Dr Anne Rimoin, an epidemiologist at UCLA who has worked in Congo for over two decades, pointed out that the prevalence of malaria and malnutrition could complicate diagnosis.

“I think it’s really important to be aware of what’s happening, but it’s also really important not to panic until we have more information,” Rimoin said. She noted the wide range of possibilities for the illness, including influenza, meningitis, Ebola, Marburg virus, and measles.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has sent a team to the affected region to collect samples for laboratory testing. WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic assured that the organization is closely monitoring the situation.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which operates an office in the DRC, is also assisting local rapid response teams by providing technical expertise.

Amira Albert Roess, a professor of global health at George Mason University, explained that international teams are working to identify common risk factors among patients and track their contacts. She expressed optimism that the source of the illness would soon be found, though she acknowledged the alarming death toll and rapid spread of symptoms.

With the death toll rising, experts warn that time is critical to prevent further escalation. As investigations continue, global health authorities remain vigilant, urging calm while the mystery disease is unravelled.

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