WHO, Zambia investigate mystery illness

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA Oct 06 2008 16:10

Zambian authorities and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have mounted investigations into the unknown disease that has so far claimed four lives in South Africa.

Zambia's High Commissioner in Pretoria, Leslie Mbula, said on Monday that reports from Zambia indicated that no other person in the country had contracted the "mysterious disease".

"Zambia has mounted an investigation and is working closely with the WHO. Apart from the two people who died at Morningside Medi-Clinic, there have been no reports of anyone presenting with the illness in Zambia," Mbula said.

Mbula said he had spoken to the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health, Simon Miti, who confirmed the situation.

Zambia's Health Minister, Brian Chituwo, was due to release a statement later on Monday.

Four people have died in South Africa of a highly infectious disease that has yet to be identified, the Health Department has said.

The first casualty was a woman from Zambia who was critically ill when she arrived in South Africa on September 12. She was treated for tick-bite fever and other potential infections at Morningside Medi-Clinic, but died two days later.

Blood tests were not conclusive for any disease.

The second victim was a Zambian male paramedic who had accompanied the woman. He was admitted on September 27 with flu-like symptoms and treated for a range of infections.

Article at: http://www.mg.co.za/article/2008-10-06-who-zambia-investigate-mystery-illness