At least 67 people have died from an unknown illness in southwestern Congo in less than two weeks, local officials reported on Tuesday. The deaths, concentrated in the Panzi health zone of Kwango province, have raised concerns of a potential epidemic, with victims showing symptoms including fever, headaches, coughing, and anemia. These deaths, recorded between November 10 and November 25, have led to fears of a broader health crisis.
Deputy provincial governor Rémy Saki stated that the number of fatalities could range from 67 to 143, adding that health authorities are sending a team of specialists to the region. “Epidemiological experts are expected to arrive to collect samples and identify the cause of the illness,” Saki said. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also sent a team to assist local health authorities in gathering samples and investigating the outbreak.
Provincial health minister Apollinaire Yumba raised the alarm over the weekend, advising residents to take precautions and avoid handling the deceased to prevent further spread of the illness. Yumba has also called for urgent medical assistance from both national and international partners.
This new health emergency comes amid an ongoing mpox outbreak in Congo, which has already seen over 47,000 suspected cases and more than 1,000 suspected deaths, according to the WHO. Congo remains the epicenter of the outbreak, accounting for 91% of cases in Africa this year. Although there are signs of stabilization in the South Kivu region, where a more infectious variant of the virus was first detected, health officials remain vigilant due to challenges in testing and monitoring.
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has estimated that Congo still needs about three million vaccines to control the mpox outbreak, despite only 50,000 vaccinations administered so far. Dr. Jean Kaseya, director of the Africa CDC, has urged for more resources to prevent the virus from becoming a global health risk.