Mysterious Disease Claims 143 Lives in Southwest Congo
LUBUMBASHI, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dec 3 – A mysterious illness has claimed the lives of 143 people in Congo's southwestern Kwango province, according to local authorities.
The disease, reported in November, presents flu-like symptoms, including high fever and severe headaches, stated Remy Saki, deputy governor of Kwango province, and Apollinaire Yumba, the provincial minister of health.
Investigation Underway
A medical team has been dispatched to the Panzi health zone to collect samples and conduct analyses to identify the illness. "The rising number of infected individuals is a serious concern," civil society leader Cephorien Manzanza said.
Manzanza highlighted significant challenges in the affected rural region, including a lack of medicine and resources. "Many patients are dying in their homes due to the absence of treatment facilities," he added.
Local epidemiologists noted that women and children are the most severely impacted by the outbreak.
WHO Steps In
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed it was alerted to the outbreak last week and is collaborating with Congo's public health ministry to investigate further.
"We are closely monitoring the situation and working to identify the cause of this disease," a WHO spokesperson said.
Efforts are now focused on understanding the disease and delivering urgent medical aid to the affected regions to prevent further fatalities.
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