More than 50 people have died from a mysterious virus in the DRC
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At least 53 people have died from an unidentified virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that at least 24 cluster deaths were confirmed in the Ekoto village in Eqauteur province.
"Deaths have occurred in all age groups, but adolescents and young adults, particularly males, appeared to be disproportionately affected in the initial cluster reported," the WHO said.
It added that the disease, once contracted, progressed fast with deaths being reported on the first day that a patient presented with symptoms.
"Local authorities began surveillance with a broad case definition including any individual with fever and at least one other symptom, to better understand disease patterns. A total of 1,318 patients had symptoms meeting the working suspected case definition as of February 25," the WHO added.
Scientists are looking into the cause of the virus with initial samples testing negative for Ebola and Marburg.
They are also undertaking field investigations and exploring water and other samples to explore chemical causes.
So far, 50% of malaria tests performed on the samples came back positive for the malaria parasite, however the WHO said the cases identified through this enhanced surveillance likely reflect various fever-like illnesses in the area. With the available information, WHO assesses the local public health risk as moderate, and the national and global public health risk as low.
seanne.rall@iol.co.za
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