Unknown flu-like disease kills at least 79 people in DR Congo

An unknown flu-like disease has killed at least 79 people in the southwestern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), according to the country’s health ministry. The disease, which exhibits symptoms similar to the flu, has affected over 300 individuals, with the majority of the fatalities occurring among young people aged 15 to 18. The symptoms reported in those infected include fever, headaches, runny noses, coughing, breathing difficulties, and anaemia.

The outbreak is primarily concentrated in Kwango Province, particularly in the Panzi health zone, where local authorities and response teams are working to manage the growing crisis. These teams are focused on investigating the nature of the disease, with additional support being provided by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO has dispatched a team to collect samples from the affected area for laboratory testing, but the remote location of Panzi has posed significant challenges to the response efforts.

A local civil society leader, Symphorien Manzanza, expressed concern over the worsening situation as the number of infections continues to rise. He highlighted the difficulties in managing the disease in a rural health zone like Panzi, where there are limited resources, including a lack of medicine. “Panzi is a rural health zone, so there is a problem with the supply of medicines,” Manzanza told Reuters.

In response to the outbreak, health officials have called for calm and vigilance from the public. They have recommended basic preventative measures, such as frequent hand washing with soap, avoiding mass gatherings, and refraining from touching the bodies of the deceased without the involvement of qualified health personnel. These measures are intended to help prevent further transmission of the disease, but the situation remains dire, and local healthcare facilities are struggling to cope with the number of cases.

According to a local Member of Parliament (MP) who spoke to Top Congo Radio, between November 10 and 26, approximately 67 people fell ill and died from the disease. The MP also pointed out the critical shortage of medical supplies at the Panzi hospital, which is unable to effectively treat the increasing number of patients. “We really need assistance,” the MP stated, underscoring the urgency of international support to control the outbreak.

This new health crisis in DR Congo comes amid ongoing challenges related to other public health issues. Earlier in the year, the country experienced a severe outbreak of mpox, with about 14,500 infections reported between January and July. Additionally, DR Congo has been plagued by repeated outbreaks of Ebola in recent years, further stressing the country’s healthcare infrastructure and resources.

The country’s ongoing struggle with infectious diseases highlights the need for increased investment in public health systems, particularly in rural and remote areas like Panzi, where access to healthcare is limited. The response to this new outbreak is still in its early stages, and authorities are urging international organizations and the global community to provide the necessary support to help control the spread of the disease and provide medical assistance to the affected population.

As investigations into the disease continue, health experts remain on alert, watching for potential clues that could help identify the pathogen responsible for the outbreak. The global community has been urged to stay vigilant and offer assistance to DR Congo as it faces yet another health crisis.