Health officials investigate mystery disease in southwest Congo after 143 deaths

Unidentified Disease Outbreak in Southwestern Congo #

A flu-like illness has resulted in numerous fatalities in southwestern Congo over a two-week period. The outbreak occurred between November 10 and November 25 in the Panzi health zone of Kwango province. Symptoms associated with the disease include fever, headache, cough, and anemia.

The death toll in the region is reported to range from 67 to 143. Efforts to determine the cause of the outbreak are underway, with a team of epidemiological experts being dispatched to the area to collect samples and identify the disease.

Local authorities advised residents to be cautious and avoid contact with dead bodies to prevent further contamination. Urgent requests for medical supplies have been made to handle the escalating health crisis.

In addition to this outbreak, the region is facing the ongoing challenge of an mpox epidemic, with over 47,000 suspected cases and more than 1,000 suspected deaths nationwide. An international health team is collaborating with local services to gather samples and address the surge in unidentified illnesses.

“Exercise caution and refrain from contact with dead bodies to avoid contamination,” was a significant message to the public amidst these developments.