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An unknown illness causing flu-like symptoms has claimed at least 79 lives in south-western Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the health ministry. Most of the victims are teenagers aged 15 to 18, with over 300 people infected so far.
Patients are exhibiting symptoms such as fever, headaches, runny noses, coughs, breathing difficulties, and anaemia. The worst-affected area is Kwango Province’s Panzi health zone, where response teams have been deployed to manage cases and investigate the disease’s origin.
Symphorien Manzanza, a local civil society leader, described the situation as alarming, noting the rising number of infections and limited medical supplies in the rural region.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has dispatched a team to collect samples for laboratory analysis. Meanwhile, authorities are urging the public to stay calm and follow preventative measures such as frequent handwashing, avoiding large gatherings, and refraining from touching deceased bodies without professional oversight.
A local MP told Top Congo Radio that 67 deaths occurred between November 10 and 26. The MP highlighted a severe shortage of medicine at Panzi hospital, appealing for urgent assistance to combat the outbreak.
This crisis adds to DR Congo’s ongoing health challenges, including a significant mpox outbreak earlier this year, with 14,500 cases reported between January and July, and periodic outbreaks of Ebola in recent years.
