A mysterious flu-like disease has caused the deaths of at least 143 people in the Panzi health zone of Kwango province, southwestern Democratic Republic of Congo, over a two-week period. The fatalities, recorded between November 10 and 25, have prompted investigations by local health authorities.
Provincial health minister Apollinaire Yumba described the symptoms as fever, headache, cough, and anemia. He urged residents to exercise caution and avoid contact with dead bodies to prevent further spread of the disease. Deputy provincial governor Rémy Saki stated on Tuesday that the death toll ranges from 67 to 143 as authorities work to confirm the numbers. A team of epidemiological experts is expected to arrive in the region to collect samples and identify the disease.
Yumba called for urgent medical assistance from national and international organizations to address the escalating health crisis. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has dispatched a team to collaborate with local health officials in investigating the outbreak.
Congo is already battling an mpox epidemic, with over 47,000 suspected cases and 1,000 suspected deaths, according to the WHO. This new outbreak adds to the growing public health challenges in the Central African nation.