NewsDesk @bactiman63

A first case of pneumonic plague was recorded Thursday, June 2, in the health zone of Rethy, in the territory of Djugu (Ituri), according to a Radio Okapi report. He is a man in his forties living in Belendju village in the Lokpa health area.

Bipolar staining of a plague smear prepared from lymph aspirated from an adenopathic lymph node, or bubo, of a plague patient./CDC

Following a few symptoms presented, such as fever and headaches, he was taken to the general reference hospital in Rethy, where he was placed in isolation and under treatment.

The rapid test carried out revealed the case of pneumonic plague, said doctor Jean de Dieu Dheda.

This situation worries the local health authorities, because this case comes on top of the bubonic plague, which is not yet under control. Indeed, this entity is already facing the epidemic of bubonic plague triggered since March with 5 deaths out of the 217 positive cases notified.

For the moment, the health zone is faced with problems of stock shortages of drugs for the care of patients.

Apart from this need, explains this doctor, the medical profession lacks protective equipment as well as other needs.

The head doctor of the Rethy health zone pleads for assistance in medicines and protective equipment, in order to cut the chain of propagation of these diseases.