Health professionals are looking into the outbreak of a flu-like disease that has killed 143 people in the southwestern Congo. As the quest for explanations continues, authorities advise the public to stay away from deceased people.
Local authorities in the southwestern Congo are frantically trying to find answers to a rising health catastrophe.
At least 143 people have died from an unexplained flu-like illness in the Panzi health zone of Kwango province in under two weeks, from November 10 to November 25.
The illness’s symptoms, which include fever, headache, cough, and severe anemia, are remarkably similar to those of the flu. Health experts are cautioning the public to be extremely cautious as the death toll continues to rise.
Apollinaire Yumba, the provincial health minister, issued a strong warning, telling people to stay away from dead bodies since they may be contaminated.
To gather samples and determine the outbreak’s cause, a group of epidemiological specialists has been sent to the area.
Together with international medical assistance, health officials are optimistic that this probe will bring much-needed clarity and resources to address the health issue.
With over 47,000 suspected cases and over 1,000 fatalities, Congo is already struggling with the mpox epidemic in the midst of this outbreak.
The World Health Organization has sent a team to help local authorities handle the new sickness and is keeping a careful eye on the situation.
Residents of the area are still on edge while the investigation goes on, hoping that this serious health issue would be resolved quickly.
