In brief
At least 79 individuals have died from an unidentified disease in the Kwango Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), with most casualties occurring among those aged 15 to 18, according to the health ministry. Over 300 infections have been reported, showcasing symptoms including fever, cough, headaches, difficulty breathing, and anemia.
Health response teams have been deployed to the Panzi health zone, particularly affected by this outbreak, to manage patient cases and investigate the disease's cause. Civil society leader Cephorien Manzanza expressed concerns over the rising infection rate, stressing that the rural area struggles with a lack of medical supplies.In response to the ongoing health crisis, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is sending a specialist team to collect samples for laboratory analysis. Authorities are advising the public to remain calm, promoting hygiene practices such as handwashing and avoiding contact with deceased persons without proper health personnel present.A local member of parliament reported that approximately 67 people succumbed to the illness between November 10 and 26. The region's Panzi hospital faces a critical shortage of medicines and has requested urgent assistance. Meanwhile, DR Congo continues grappling with a severe outbreak of mpox, having recorded around 14,500 infections from January to July this year. The nation has a history of dealing with illnesses like Ebola, highlighting ongoing public health challenges.
