In response to a mysterious disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Hanoi's Center for Disease Control has ramped up health screening at Noi Bai International Airport to prevent potential health risks. The city aims to identify suspicious cases promptly and take swift, appropriate action.

Healthcare workers collect specimens from airport personnel.

Vietnam's Ministry of Health released a report on the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo on December 12. Although the risk of the disease spreading to Asia is considered low due to limited travel connections with the DRC, Vietnamese health authorities remain vigilant. The World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting the DRC by deploying rapid response teams, conducting investigations, and testing samples.

The Hanoi Department of Health continues to coordinate closely with WHO and other countries to monitor the situation and provide updates. Any new developments will prompt a reassessment of the risk, with appropriate adjustments to Vietnam's public health measures, ensuring that public safety remains a top priority.

According to health officials in the DRC, as quoted by Euronews, the disease has been identified as severe malaria. Symptoms included fever, headache, cough, nasal congestion, and muscle aches.

Earlier this month, officials in the Central African country reported that hundreds of people, mostly children under five years old, had fallen ill with an unknown flu-like illness in the southwestern Kwango province. This prompted health workers to rush to the remote region to collect samples and assist in caring for patients.

The DRC’s health ministry stated that there have been 592 confirmed cases since October, with a fatality rate of 6.2%, which is significantly lower than the previously reported death toll.