ETIDIOH - NEW

  Abstract Climate change is increasingly recognized as a major driver of emerging infectious diseases, particularly vector-borne diseases (VBDs), which are expanding in range and intensity worldwide. Europe , traditionally considered low-risk for many arboviral infections , is now experiencing autochthonous transmission of pathogens such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika virus, West Nile virus, malaria, and leishmaniasis . Rising temperatures , altered precipitation patterns , and milder winters have facilitated the establishment and spread of competent vectors , including Aedes, Anopheles, Phlebotomus, and Culex species , in previously non-endemic areas. These climatic shifts not only impact vector survival and distribution but also influence vector competence and pathogen development , ultimately increasing transmission potential. This narrative review explores the complex relationship between climate change and VBDs, with a particular focus on pediatric populations . It highlights h...

Situation at a glance On 9 February 2025, officials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported to regional health authorities a cluster of 24 unexplained community deaths in a single village in Ekoto health area, Basankusu health zone, Equateur province .  As of 25 February, a total of 53 deaths have been reported , with the last death occurring on 22 February.  Deaths have occurred in all age groups , but adolescents and young adults , particularly males , appeared to be disproportionately affected in the initial cluster reported.  Disease progression appeared to be fast , with a median time from onset of symptoms to death of one day .  Given the rapid decline in the incidence of reported deaths, their geographic clustering, the age profile of deaths and the rapid disease progression in the initial cluster, working hypotheses include chemical poisoning or a rapid onset bacterial meningitis cluster , on a background of malaria and other infectious illnesses end...

Kinshasa – Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and experts from World Health Organization (WHO) are carrying out further investigations to determine the cause of another cluster of illness and community deaths in Equateur province .  In recent months, disease surveillance has identified increases in illness and deaths three times in different areas of the country , and triggered follow-up investigations to confirm the cause and provide needed support.   Since the beginning of 2025 , a series of illnesses and community deaths have affected Equateur province . The most recent cluster occurred in the Basankusu health zone , where last week 141 additional people fell ill , with no deaths reported. In the same health zone, 158 cases and 58 deaths were reported in the same health zone earlier in February. In January, Bolamba health zone reported 12 people who fell ill including 8 deaths.  Increased disease surveillance has identified in total of 1096...