Health

Mysterious Illness Claims 71 Lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Published

6 days ago

December 5, 2024

RTX

A baffling illness of unknown origin has claimed at least 71 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in recent weeks, health officials announced, as they race to identify the disease and curb its spread.

First detected in late October in Kwango province in the country’s southwest, the illness has sickened approximately 380 people, according to the DRC Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene, and Social Security. Fatalities were recorded between November 10 and 25, with 27 people dying in hospitals and 44 in the community, authorities confirmed.

While the majority of those who succumbed to the illness were children over the age of 15, Public Health Minister Roger Kamba stated that it is premature to classify the outbreak as a large-scale epidemic. “At the current stage, we cannot speak of a large-scale epidemic,” Kamba told reporters on Thursday.

Symptoms and Challenges

The disease presents flu-like symptoms, including fever, headaches, cough, and anaemia, said Apollinaire Yumba, the provincial health minister. Among hospitalised patients, 10 died due to a lack of blood transfusions, while 17 succumbed to respiratory complications.

The disease is suspected to resemble a respiratory illness, but officials remain uncertain about its transmission mechanisms. “It is difficult to talk about how it is transmitted before the results of the analysis of the collected samples,” Kamba added.

Ongoing Investigations

The DRC’s health ministry has launched in-depth field investigations and is analyzing samples from affected individuals to identify the illness. Authorities have also urged citizens to avoid large gatherings, follow hygiene protocols, and promptly report suspected cases to local health officials.

International Response

Global health organizations are now involved in the effort to pinpoint the illness. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is collaborating with the DRC government to investigate the outbreak, while the World Health Organization (WHO) has deployed a team to collect and analyze patient samples. A WHO spokesperson emphasized the importance of understanding the situation, stating the agency is “working with the national authorities to follow up on reports of an unidentified disease.”

Broader Health Challenges

This mysterious illness adds to the DRC’s existing health struggles, including an ongoing mpox outbreak. The country has reported over 47,000 suspected mpox cases and more than 1,000 related deaths in 2024, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As health officials continue their investigation, efforts to identify the mysterious illness and prevent its spread remain a top priority in the region.

Health

Winter Viruses Surge Across Europe, Prompting Health Concerns

Published

3 days ago

December 8, 2024

RTX

European nations are grappling with the resurgence of multiple winter viruses, raising concerns about the strain on healthcare systems. Experts warn of a potential “triple threat” involving influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 as these illnesses circulate simultaneously.

Antoine Flahault, director of the Institute of Global Health at the University of Geneva, highlighted the significant impact of winter viruses. “The serious forms of these infections, though infrequent, contribute to hospital saturation during epidemic peaks,” he told Euronews Health.

The European Respiratory Virus Surveillance Summary (ERVISS) reports that consultations for respiratory illnesses remain within expected levels in the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA), though some countries are experiencing increases in viral activity.

Winter Viruses in Circulation

Flu, a major seasonal illness, continues to cause concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that while influenza levels were low in the EU and EEA in late November, they have been increasing in some areas. Severe cases of flu can lead to hospitalizations and, in rare instances, fatalities.

RSV, another prevalent virus, is spreading across Europe, particularly affecting young children and older adults. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) warned of a potential rise in RSV activity, urging countries to prepare.

COVID-19 cases in Europe, on the other hand, have decreased following a peak in July. However, experts caution that COVID-19 can overlap with seasonal flu and RSV outbreaks, given its year-round presence.

Other viruses, including norovirus (linked to vomiting and diarrhea), parainfluenza, metapneumovirus, and adenoviruses, also circulate during the winter but typically draw less attention due to their comparatively milder impact.

Why Are Winter Viruses More Prevalent?

Flahault attributes the seasonal spike to factors such as closer indoor interactions, reduced ventilation, and lower levels of UV light during winter. Central heating and increased air pollution may also contribute to virus transmission.

To reduce the spread, better indoor air quality and mask-wearing in poorly ventilated areas are recommended. “FFP2 masks can help curb the circulation of respiratory microbial agents,” Flahault said.

Preventive Measures and Vaccination

Vaccination remains a critical tool in mitigating severe cases. Piotr Kramarz, chief scientist at the ECDC, emphasized the importance of improving vaccination rates for flu and COVID-19, especially among vulnerable populations.

Other recommended measures include staying home when symptomatic, frequent handwashing, and ventilating indoor spaces. The WHO advises wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated settings, particularly for those at higher risk of severe illness.

Experts underscore the importance of these preventive steps, noting that they are simple yet effective ways to protect public health during the winter season.

Health

Babies in Europe Develop “Werewolf Syndrome” Linked to Parental Use of Hair-Loss Medication

Published

4 days ago

December 7, 2024

RTX

Health authorities in Europe have identified 11 cases of “werewolf syndrome” in babies, a rare condition characterized by abnormal hair growth, traced to their parents’ use of minoxidil, a popular hair-loss treatment.

The findings were detailed in a report by the Pharmacovigilance Centre of Navarre (CFN) in Spain, which linked the cases to exposure to the medication. Hypertrichosis, or “werewolf syndrome,” involves excessive hair growth on parts of the body other than the scalp. In severe cases, hair can cover the entire face and body, while localized patches may also occur.

Minoxidil, used to promote hair growth in individuals experiencing baldness, is typically applied topically to the scalp or taken orally. The first case surfaced when a baby in Spain developed unusual hair growth on the back, legs, and thighs over two months. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the baby’s father, who had been on leave to care for his child, had been using a 5% topical minoxidil solution during this period.

After the father discontinued the medication and took precautions to avoid contact with his child, the baby’s symptoms completely regressed.

Prompted by this case, the CFN conducted a broader review using data from the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System and the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) EudraVigilance databases. The analysis revealed additional cases across Europe where infants developed hypertrichosis following exposure to caregivers using topical minoxidil.

Researchers suggested two possible routes of exposure: oral transfer, such as ingestion of residue left on hands, or direct skin contact with treated areas. The report highlighted that babies’ thinner, more sensitive skin makes them more vulnerable to absorbing medications, increasing their risk of unintended side effects.

In response to the findings, the European Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) has updated safety information for products containing minoxidil. Revised medication leaflets now warn users of the potential risk of excessive body hair growth in infants exposed to treated areas.

Health officials emphasize the importance of exercising caution when using topical medications around infants. “Parents and caregivers should ensure they wash their hands thoroughly after applying minoxidil and take steps to avoid contact between treated areas and children,” the report advised.

The updated guidelines aim to mitigate risks and raise awareness about potential side effects, as health authorities continue to monitor the situation across Europe.

Health

UK Scientists Develop Urine Test for Early Lung Cancer Detection

Published

5 days ago

December 6, 2024

RTX

Addressing Late-Stage Diagnoses

Lung cancer often goes undetected until its later stages, by which time symptoms have appeared or the disease has metastasized, making effective treatment more challenging. The new test aims to address this delay by providing a non-invasive, cost-effective method to identify the disease early.

“Early detection of cancer requires cost-effective tools and strategies that enable detection to happen quickly and accurately,” said Ljiljana Fruk, co-lead of the project and professor at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology.

How the Test Works

The test uses an injectable sensor that reacts to proteins released by zombie cells. When these proteins interact with the sensor, a compound is released into the urine, which can then be easily detected.

“We designed a test based on peptide-cleaving proteins, which are found at higher levels in the presence of zombie cells and in turn appear in the early stages of cancer,” Fruk explained.

So far, the tool has been successfully trialed in mice. The research team is now preparing for human trials to evaluate its efficacy and safety.

Broader Potential Beyond Lung Cancer

The test’s developers envision its use extending beyond lung cancer to detect other cancers, possibly months or even years before symptoms emerge.

“If it works in human studies, the test will spot [lung] cancer earlier and avoid the need for invasive procedures,” Fruk said. “But this test does have potential for other cancers.”

Hope for Early Intervention

By enabling earlier diagnoses, the test could significantly improve survival rates and reduce the need for invasive diagnostic procedures. The research underscores the growing focus on non-invasive, patient-friendly diagnostic tools in the fight against cancer.

If human trials confirm its effectiveness, the urine test could become a vital tool in global cancer prevention and treatment strategies, marking a significant step forward in the early detection of one of the most lethal diseases.