A mysterious flu-like illness has claimed dozens of lives in southwestern Congo over two weeks. The deaths occurred between November 10 and 25 in the Panzi health zone of Kwango province, with symptoms including fever, headache, cough, and anaemia.
According to provincial authorities, a total of 67 to 143 people have died from the disease. A team of epidemiological experts is expected to arrive in the region to collect samples and identify the cause.
Health officials are advising the population to exercise caution and avoid contact with dead bodies to prevent contamination. The government has called on international partners to send medical supplies to help combat the outbreak.
Congo is already grappling with an ongoing mpox epidemic, which has affected over 47,000 people and resulted in more than 1,000 suspected deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO has a team on the ground working with local health services to collect samples and provide assistance.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/03/health/mystery-disease-congo/index.html