A flu-like illness that has led to dozens of deaths over the past two weeks is under investigation in southwestern Congo, local authorities reported. The fatalities occurred between November 10 and November 25 in the Panzi health zone of Kwango province. The provincial health minister, Apollinaire Yumba, stated that the symptoms include fever, headache, cough, and anemia.
Deputy provincial governor, Rémy Saki, confirmed that the death toll ranges from 67 to 143 people. He also noted that a team of epidemiological experts will be dispatched to the area to collect samples and identify the cause of the outbreak.
Yumba urged the public to be cautious and avoid contact with deceased individuals to prevent further contamination. He also appealed to both national and international organizations for medical supplies to help address the crisis.
Congo is already grappling with an mpox epidemic, which has led to over 47,000 suspected cases and more than 1,000 deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) is aware of the new disease and has deployed a team to work with local health officials to gather samples for analysis.
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