Just been to Africa

“Disease X”: Italian with symptoms in hospital

There are already almost 400 patients in Congo who have been diagnosed with symptoms of "Disease X" - well over 100 people have already died from it.

(Bild: APA/Helmut Fohringer (Symbolbild))

Health alert in Tuscany: An Italian who was hospitalized with flu-like symptoms after a stay in Africa may have contracted the mysterious "Disease X", which has previously killed numerous people in the Congo.

One person returned from Africa with flu-like symptoms, Italian media reported on Monday - the patient was treated in a hospital in Lucca from November 22 to December 3, but has since been discharged.

Samples are now being tested
It cannot be ruled out that he contracted "disease X", which occurred in the south-west of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The hospital informed the Supreme Institute of Health (ISS) in Rome, which is now examining the samples taken from the patient.

Search for the "true nature of the disease"
In view of the rising number of cases and many unanswered questions about "Disease X" in the south-west of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the health organization Action Plus has called on the population not to panic.

Health authorities in the affected province of Kwango are working hard together with seconded experts to "find out the true nature of this disease", said Jude Tshangata, coordinator of the civil society organization.