On Dec. 9, 2024, the Africa Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced that it is working closely with the Democratic Republic of Congo Ministry of Health (MoH), the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB), the National Public Health Institute (NPHI), and other partners to strengthen disease monitoring through genomic surveillance.

Africa CDC has deployed a multidisciplinary team to support the MoH’s ongoing investigation. The team, which includes epidemiologists, laboratory scientists, infection prevention and control experts, and other specialists, is working in collaboration with national and international partners, including the WHO, to assess the situation, accelerate diagnostic testing, and implement control measures.

Disease X refers to an unknown pathogen with the potential to cause severe illness and widespread public health impacts. Early detection, investigation, and coordinated responses are critical to mitigating its potential effects. The disease presents symptoms such as fever, headache, and a high mortality rate among children. The outbreak, first identified in late October and reported to national authorities in early December, underscores the need to strengthen surveillance and laboratory capabilities in the region.