An outbreak of yellow fever has killed 21 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the World Health Organization (WHO) says, linking some cases to an outbreak in neighbouring Angola.
In a statement, the WHO said the deaths had occurred in January to March, with 151 suspected cases recorded.
There was, it said, a "serious risk of further spread of the disease" in DRC.
The acute, mosquito-borne viral disease has killed 225 people in Angola and infected about 1,600 there.
The WHO said the DRC health authorities had set up a national committee to respond to the outbreak, including "screening and sanitary controls" on the country's borders.
People travelling to Angola will now be vaccinated against the disease, it added.
The WHO statement says that the DRC's health ministry has in addition activated a contingency plan which includes more community engagement to fight the disease and better training of health workers.
Yellow fever is a virus that can cause bleeding, jaundice and kidney failure, It is spread by mosquitoes, usually the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the same species that spreads the Zika virus.
It is endemic in tropical regions of Africa and South America.
A vaccine can prevent infection but there is no specific drug treatment for people who are infected.
Latest Stories
-
Plymouth to host Liverpool in FA Cup fourth round
37 seconds -
Hindsight: Kotoko’s SOS call to Kwame Opoku
4 minutes -
Mat weaving industry holds key to economic empowerment in South Tongu – Klutse Kudomor
11 minutes -
Aglokpovia residents fear looming health crisis as cattle ranch sparks outrage
17 minutes -
Tertiary institutions urged to embrace, support strong governance procedures
23 minutes -
We’ll share Ghana’s resources equitably – Mahama
35 minutes -
NDC’s Chief Biney hit with sad news
36 minutes -
Don’t let power change you – Archbishop Duncan-Williams tells NDC
44 minutes -
Andre Ayew sores again, but Le Havre falls to RC Lens
52 minutes -
GFA names Kassim Ocansey as new Black Meteors Head Coach
59 minutes -
Michael Baidoo makes Plymouth Argyle debut in FA Cup win over Brentford
1 hour -
Akufo-Addo appointees to boards, corporations, commissions, and councils lose jobs
1 hour -
Today’s front pages: Monday, January 13, 2025
2 hours -
Samson’s Take: Punish the criminal ‘vigilante’ takeovers
2 hours -
Kwasi Siaw: Pioneering African talent management with HC Talent
2 hours