Alarming Fears Rise as Mystery Disease Kills 143 in Southwest Congo

Last updated on December 9th, 2024 at 11:02 pm

Following the ‘bleeding eye virus’ panic haunting Africa, health officials have issued a warning after an unidentified illness with flu-like symptoms killed almost 150 people since it was discovered in the southwestern Congo. The deaths occurred in the Panzi health zone of Kwango province between November 10 and November 25.

In order to identify the disease, a medical team has been sent to the Panzi health zone to gather samples and do an analysis. Fever, headache, cough and anemia are among the symptoms of this unidentified illness.

Following the deaths of numerous individuals in their homes due to a lack of access to treatment and unidentified cause, health officials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are now  keeping an eye on the mystery illness.

Apollinaire Yumba, the provincial health minister warned citizens against coming into contact with dead bodies in order to prevent infection. In order to address the health issue, he urged both domestic and foreign partners to provide medical help. According to a local epidemiologist, the sickness most severely affects women and children.

The World Health Organization reports that the Congo is already experiencing an mpox pandemic with over 47,000 reported cases and over 1,000 suspected deaths in the Central African nation.

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According to an organization employee who spoke on condition, WHO is aware of the mysterious sickness and has a team on the ground working with local health services to gather samples.

The situation was very concerning because the number of individuals who are getting affected is increasing. Health experts called the development “extremely worrying” and noted that the death toll is rising quickly.