Mystery disease kills 143 in Congo

A flu-like disease that has killed dozens of people over two weeks is being investigated in southwestern Congo, local authorities said.

The deaths were recorded between Nov. 10 and Nov. 25 in the Panzi health zone of Kwango province.

Provincial health minister Apollinaire Yumba told reporters over the weekend that symptoms include fever, headache, cough, and anaemia.

The deputy provincial governor, Rémy Saki, told newsmen on Tuesday that between 67 and 143 people had died.

”A team of epidemiological experts is expected in the region to take samples and identify the problem,” he added.

Yumba advised the population to exercise caution and refrain from contact with dead bodies to avoid contamination.

He called on national and international partners to send medical supplies to deal with the health crisis.

Congo is already plagued by the mpox epidemic, with more than 47,000 suspected cases and over 1,000 suspected deaths from the disease in the Central African country, according to the World Health Organization.

Diaspora Digital Media understands that WHO is aware of the unidentified disease.

The organization has a team on the ground working with local health services to collect samples, according to an organization employee who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to talk to the media.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a country located in Central Africa, with a population of over 92 million people.

The country has a diverse geography, with vast rainforests, mountains, and rivers.

Unfortunately, the DRC is also home to a high burden of infectious diseases, including Ebola, malaria, cholera, measles, and HIV/AIDS.

These diseases have had a devastating impact on the country’s population, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited.

One of the most significant infectious disease outbreaks in the DRC in recent years has been the Ebola outbreak, which occurred from 2018 to 2020.

This outbreak was the second-largest in history, resulting in over 2,200 deaths and 3,400 cases.

The outbreak was exacerbated by the country’s poor healthcare infrastructure, lack of resources, and ongoing conflict.

Despite the challenges, the DRC government, along with international partners, worked tirelessly to contain the outbreak and provide care to those affected.

In addition to Ebola, the DRC is also struggling to control other infectious diseases, including malaria, cholera, and measles.

Malaria is a major public health concern in the country, with the DRC accounting for a significant proportion of malaria cases and deaths in Africa.

Cholera outbreaks are also common in the DRC, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene.

Measles outbreaks have also occurred in the country, particularly among children.

These diseases are often exacerbated by the country’s poor healthcare infrastructure and lack of resources.

The DRC government, along with international partners, is working to strengthen the country’s healthcare system and improve access to healthcare services.

This includes investing in healthcare infrastructure, training healthcare workers, and improving access to essential medicines.

Additionally, efforts are being made to promote public awareness and education about infectious diseases, as well as to improve sanitation and hygiene practices.

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