An unknown disease with flu-like symptoms has claimed at least 79 lives in Kwango Province, south-western Democratic Republic of Congo.
Over 300 people have fallen sick, with most victims aged between 15 and 18, according to the country’s health ministry.
Symptoms include fever, headaches, runny noses, coughing, breathing difficulties, and anaemia. Authorities say medical teams have been sent to Panzi health zone, the epicenter of the outbreak, to manage cases and investigate the cause of the illness.
Cephorien Manzanza, a local civil society leader, expressed concern over the rising cases, saying, “Panzi is a rural health zone, so there is a problem with the supply of medicines.”
The World Health Organization has also dispatched a team to the area to collect samples for laboratory testing. A WHO official told the BBC, “We are investigating to identify the disease and its cause.”
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and take precautions such as washing hands regularly with soap, avoiding large gatherings, and refraining from touching the bodies of the deceased without trained health personnel.
A local MP shared with Top Congo Radio that between November 10 and November 26, 67 people fell ill and died in Panzi, adding that the health system is struggling to cope. “Panzi hospital is short of medicines to deal with this epidemic. We urgently need assistance,” the MP said.
The outbreak comes as DR Congo continues to battle other health crises, including mpox (formerly monkeypox) and periodic Ebola outbreaks.
Earlier this year, the country recorded 14,500 mpox infections, though the symptoms of this new illness, such as rashes, do not match those of mpox.
Ebola, which has hit DR Congo 12 times in the past, was ruled out as the cause. The virus, which causes severe symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting, was last responsible for an outbreak that killed over 2,200 people in 2020.
