A mysterious flu-like disease has swept through southwestern Congo, leaving a trail of death and fear in its wake.
Over the past two weeks, between 67 and 143 people have lost their lives in the Panzi health zone of Kwango province, with many more falling ill.
The Symptoms: Fever, Headache, Cough, and Anaemia
According to provincial health minister Apollinaire Yumba, the disease is characterized by a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, cough, and anaemia. The rapid spread of the illness has sparked widespread concern, with local authorities scrambling to contain the outbreak.
Investigation Underway: Experts on the Ground
A team of epidemiological experts is en route to the affected region to collect samples and identify the cause of the disease. The deputy provincial governor, Rémy Saki, confirmed that the team is expected to arrive soon, bringing much-needed expertise to the crisis.
Caution Urged: Avoid Contact with Dead Bodies
As the investigation continues, Yumba has urged the local population to exercise extreme caution to avoid contamination. “Avoid contact with dead bodies,” he warned, emphasizing the importance of taking precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.
Congo’s Health Crisis: Mpox Epidemic Looms Large
This latest outbreak comes as Congo is already grappling with a mpox epidemic, which has claimed over 1,000 lives and affected more than 47,000 people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO is aware of the unidentified disease and has a team on the ground working with local health services to collect samples and provide support.
International Assistance Needed
As the situation continues to unfold, Yumba has called on national and international partners to provide medical supplies to help deal with the crisis. With the death toll rising, it’s clear that swift action is needed to contain this mysterious illness and prevent further loss of life.