Mystery illness claims 79 lives in DR Congo, WHO intervenes
In the southwestern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 79 people have died due to an unknown flu-like illness, and the number of infections has exceeded 300. Local doctors are appealing for assistance, and WHO experts have arrived on the scene.
The authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have reported a mysterious disease affecting the southwestern regions of the country. This illness is characterized by fever, headache, runny nose, cough, breathing difficulties, and rapidly developing anemia.
According to TVN24, the ailment resembles the flu. Most of the infected individuals and victims are teenagers aged 15-18.
The World Health Organization faces a problem with mysterious disease outbreak
The highest number of cases has been recorded in the town of Panzi in Kwango province. Authorities have dispatched support teams to assist local doctors and investigate the nature of the disease. Local leaders, such as Cephorien Manzanza, are sounding alarms about the lack of medication and appealing for support.
Authorities in the DR Congo recommend that residents wash their hands, avoid gatherings, and refrain from contacting the bodies of the deceased without medical personnel present. The WHO has sent experts to conduct laboratory tests on samples collected on-site.
As TVN24 points out, the DR Congo is also dealing with an outbreak of monkeypox, with approximately 14,500 cases diagnosed in the first half of 2024. The country has been battling the Ebola virus for years, which further strains the healthcare system.
