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
-
Medical Laboratory Professionals threaten to strike over conditions of service
3 hours -
Residents of Anloga, Keta express frustration over ECG billing
4 hours -
I don’t believe in praying in tongues – Strongman
4 hours -
‘After The floods’: VRA and GMet clash over cause of Akosombo Dam spillage disaster
4 hours -
‘After The Floods’: Victims suffer harsh conditions 6 months after Akosombo dam disaster
4 hours -
Akufo-Addo to unveil Otumfuo commemorative stamp
5 hours -
EduSpots distributes over 100 tablets and laptops to 30 community-led education spaces
5 hours -
Taxation is driving away investors – FABAG General Secretary
5 hours -
Effutu MP commissions office for Hepatitis B; absorbs cost of testing, vaccination and management
5 hours -
Bawumia pushes for land digitisation to tackle land guard menace
6 hours -
Faith-based institutions are instrumental in national development – Bawumia
6 hours -
Upholding the Integrity of Presidential Promises: A call to Ghanaian leaders
6 hours -
I don’t start ‘beefs’; I only reply – Strongman refutes claims
6 hours -
Vice President Bawumia promises reforms to turn Ghana’s fortunes around
6 hours -
REGSEC warns encroachers along Tema-Sakumono Ramsar site as it races to prevent flooding
6 hours