Unidentified flu-like disease claims dozens in Southwestern Congo

An unidentified flu-like illness has claimed dozens of lives in southwestern Congo’s Kwango province, local health authorities confirmed. The outbreak, which has raised alarm, occurred between November 10 and November 25 in the Panzi health zone, with symptoms including fever, headache, cough, and anemia.

Provincial Health Minister Apollinaire Yumba announced the concerning development over the weekend, urging caution among residents. “The population must avoid contact with dead bodies to prevent potential contamination,” Yumba emphasized, while appealing for national and international medical support to address the crisis.

Deputy Provincial Governor Rémy Saki provided an alarming update, stating that between 67 and 143 deaths have been reported. He noted that a team of epidemiological experts is being deployed to the affected region to collect samples and investigate the disease.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged the situation, confirming that its team is collaborating with local health authorities to identify the illness. A WHO representative, speaking anonymously, stated that samples are being collected for laboratory analysis.

This latest health crisis comes amid Congo’s ongoing battle with the mpox epidemic, which has resulted in over 47,000 suspected cases and more than 1,000 suspected deaths across the country, according to WHO data.

As the situation unfolds, health authorities are urging vigilance and preventive measures to curb further spread while international aid is anticipated to help manage the unfolding emergency.