A flu-like illness has emerged as a serious health concern in southwestern Congo, resulting in the deaths of at least 143 individuals over a two-week period.
Local authorities are currently investigating this alarming outbreak, which has raised significant public health alarms.
Timeline of the Outbreak
The fatalities were reported between November 10 and November 25 in the Panzi health zone of Kwango province.
Provincial Health Minister Apollinaire Yumba informed reporters that the symptoms associated with this mysterious disease include fever, headache, cough, and anemia.
Deputy Provincial Governor Rémy Saki provided further details to The Associated Press, stating that the death toll could range from 67 to 143 people.
He also mentioned that a team of epidemiological experts is expected to arrive in the region to collect samples and identify the cause of the outbreak.
Public Health Advisory
Minister Yumba has urged residents to exercise caution and avoid contact with deceased individuals to prevent potential contamination.
He has called on both national and international partners to provide medical supplies to address the growing health crisis.
Ongoing Health Challenges
Congo is already grappling with an mpox epidemic, which has resulted in over 47,000 suspected cases and more than 1,000 suspected deaths across the country, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The WHO is aware of the unidentified disease and has dispatched a team to collaborate with local health services in sample collection and analysis.
An anonymous WHO employee confirmed that efforts are underway to investigate this new illness while supporting local health authorities.
A Call for Urgent Action
As the situation develops, health officials are racing against time to identify the cause of this mystery disease and implement measures to protect public health.
The combination of this outbreak alongside the ongoing mpox epidemic presents a significant challenge for healthcare providers in Congo.
Swift action and international support will be crucial in managing this emerging health crisis effectively.
Source: africanews
