Mysterious disease devastates Congo’s Kwango province (Representational Image: Pixabay) 
MedBound Blog

Health Officials Investigate Mystery Disease in Southwest Congo After up to 143 Deaths

Dozens dead from mystery disease in Congo

MBT Desk

KINSHASA, 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 November 10 and November 25 in the Panzi health zone of Kwango province. Symptoms include fever, headache, cough and anemia, provincial health minister Apollinaire Yumba told reporters over the weekend.

The deputy provincial governor, Remy Saki, told The Associated Press 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 the bodies of the dead to avoid contamination. He called on national and international partners to send medical supplies to deal with the health crisis.

Discover the symptoms and what’s being done to stop its spread (Representational Image: Pixabay)

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

WHO is aware of the unidentified disease and 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.

VOA/AG

Gigi Hadid Confronts Body Shaming and Shares Journey with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Are You Really Allergic to Penicillin? A Pharmacist Explains Why There’s a Good Chance You’re Not − and How You Can Find Out for Sure

Husband Wakes Up with Seizure After Headache, Diagnosed with Rare MELAS Syndrome

Weight Loss Support Before IVF Could Boost Pregnancy Chances – and Reduce the Need for Treatment

Grandfather’s Environmental Chemical Exposures May Influence When Girls Get First Period