A mysterious disease causing flu-like symptoms has killed between 79 and 143 people in the southwestern Democratic Republic of Congo, triggering global concern and grim memories of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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New Unknown Disease Kills Over 79 Lives in DR Congo
According to the health ministry, the majority of fatalities are teenagers aged 15 to 18. Over 300 cases have been reported in Kwango Province, particularly in the Panzi health zone. Patients are exhibiting symptoms such as fever, headaches, runny noses, coughing, breathing difficulties, and anemia.
Health teams have been dispatched to Panzi to manage cases and investigate the mysterious disease. However, the rural area’s lack of medical supplies complicates efforts, according to civil society leader Cephorien Manzanza.
“Panzi is a rural health zone, so there is a problem with the supply of medicines,” he said.
Also read: Bug causing Covid-19-like symptoms identified
People Urged to Avoid Gatherings and to Wash Their Hands
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also sent a team to collect samples for laboratory testing in hopes of identifying the illness.
Authorities are urging calm while advising the public to take precautions such as handwashing, avoiding large gatherings, and refraining from touching the bodies of deceased individuals without professional supervision.
The outbreak adds to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s mounting health challenges, including a severe mpox outbreak with 14,500 cases reported between January and July, and periodic Ebola outbreaks in recent years.
