A mysterious flu-like illness has caused over 140 deaths in the Panzi health zone of Kwango province, southwestern Congo, between November 10 and November 25.
Local health authorities report that the disease presents symptoms such as fever, headache, cough, and anemia. While initial reports estimated the death toll at 67, the deputy provincial governor, Rémy Saki, has since confirmed a range of fatalities between 67 and 143.
A team of epidemiological experts is expected to visit the affected region to collect samples and identify the cause of the outbreak. Health officials have urged residents to exercise caution, particularly by avoiding contact with dead bodies to minimize the risk of contamination.
The provincial health minister has called on national and international partners to provide medical supplies and support to address the growing health crisis.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of Congo is also battling the ongoing mpox epidemic, with over 47,000 suspected cases and more than 1,000 deaths recorded. The World Health Organization has acknowledged the current outbreak and is collaborating with local health services to investigate and mitigate the situation
