December 6, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Mysterious Flu-Like Illness Claims At Least 79 Lives in DR Congo

A mysterious illness with flu-like symptoms has claimed at least 79 lives in the south-western Democratic Republic of Congo. The majority of the deceased are reported to be between the ages of 15 and 18.

More than 300 people have been infected, displaying symptoms such as fever, headaches, runny noses, coughs, breathing difficulties, and anemia. Response teams have been deployed to Kwango Province, particularly in the Panzi health zone, where the outbreak is concentrated.

Symphorien Manzanza, a civil society leader, described the situation as alarming due to the increasing number of cases.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has dispatched a team to the affected area to collect samples for laboratory analysis.

Authorities have urged the population to remain calm and take preventative measures, including handwashing with soap, avoiding mass gatherings, and refraining from touching the bodies of the deceased without professional assistance.

This outbreak comes as the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to grapple with other health crises, including a severe mpox outbreak, which recorded approximately 14,500 infections between January and July this year, and periodic outbreaks of Ebola.

S.H.C. Holds Vigil for Micah

Faculty, staff, and students gathered this morning at Sacred Heart College (S.H.C.) in Cayo to mourn the passing of 13-year-old Micah Contreras.

The second-form student of S.H.C. lost his life in a road traffic accident on the George Price Highway near Unitedville, Cayo. The collision occurred when a pickup truck attempting to overtake struck the motorcycle he was riding, breaking it in two. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after.

Eufemia Usher, Vice Principal of Student Affairs at Sacred Heart College, described Micah as a joyful and well-liked student who formed connections with peers across various year groups. “Micah was a happy young man, likeable not only by his classmates but by the entire student body. He was well-known for his interactions with students of all different years,” Usher said.

She said his passing has left the school community in mourning.

The vigil was held in Contreras’s memory because the students asked for it. “Last night, my email was flooded with messages coming from students coming all across first to fourth form, cancelling sports and asking for a prayer service of silence. They wanted it in memory of Micah,” she explained.

The outpouring of love and solidarity was evident, with students gathering as early as 8:00 a.m. for the service. “It was very touching for me to see how much love the students have for each other.”

The school has provided counsellors and members of the campus ministry to support grieving students.

Police Corporal’s Home Targeted in Early Morning Shooting

The house of Police Corporal Yelena Monterroza in St. Matthew’s Village, Cayo District, was targeted by shooters in the wee hours of this morning.

According to reports, gunshots were heard at around 3:00 a.m., and bullet holes were later found on the building.

The 33-year-old officer informed police that she heard seven gunshots. When she checked her surroundings, no one was visible.

Her grey Ford F-150 sustained five bullet holes, with its back glass shattered. Another vehicle on the property, a brown Toyota Tacoma, was also damaged, with bullet holes on both sides, a punctured back tire, and seven bullet impacts on its body.

A total of 29 expended shells were recovered from the scene, including 16 Aguila REM 223, three RP REM 223, and 10 Aguila .45 Auto shells.

Barrow Asks Court to Jail Panton

Opposition Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow along with Michael Peyrefitte, Alberto August, Shary Medina and Hugo Patt, has filed an application for contempt orders against Tracy Panton.

They have requested the Supreme Court to take decisive action for her alleged failure to comply with a judgment and an order issued by Justice Hondora on November 8, 2024.

The claimants are asking the court to commit Panton to three months in prison for the alleged breaches. Alternatively, they are requesting that she be ordered to pay $500 into the Consolidated Revenue Fund within seven days. If the payment is not made, the claimants are seeking that the three-month prison term be imposed.

The application also includes a request for the costs of the proceedings to be awarded to the claimants and for any other relief the court deems appropriate.

RTA Claims Life of 13-Year-Old Boy

13-year-old Micah Contreras died in a road traffic accident last night. The incident happened on the George Price Highway near Unitedville, Cayo, claimed the life of 13-year-old Micah Contreras and left another man hospitalised.

Witnesses say that the young boy was riding a motorcycle when he was struck by a pickup truck attempting to overtake.

The collision shattered the motorcycle into two. The teenager was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after.

Sacred Heart College postponed sports day and cancelled classes today “due to the passing of one of our students, Micah Contreras from 2nd form.” The school added, “Our hearts go out to his immediate family and the entire SHC family during his difficult time.”

Panton Says UDP Mesop. Delegates Support Her

Albert Area Representative Tracy Panton says that she has garnered the support of majority members of the UDP Mesopotamia executive. Opposition Leader Moses ‘Shyne Barrow’ is the area representative of the Mesopotamia division. Panton said in a statement, “At a meeting held on Monday, December 2, 2024, between Hon. Tracy Panton and the UDP Mesopotamia Executive, a majority (9 of 15 delegates and 2 of 5 alternate delegates) of that executive agreed to endorse Hon. Panton as Party Leader and have signed a letter to confirm their position.”

Panton refrained from releasing a letter from party delegates, citing concerns over potential reprisals. She added that the delegates was clear—”that they are not happy with the actions of their Area Representative to divide the Party.”

Panton noted the “significant development” in Barrow’s constituency. “Lee Mark Chang, Vice Chairman of the Party also attended the meeting and was well received.”

Panton commended the “courageous delegates who have stepped up to make this bold declaration.”

“The Interim Party Leader who was overwhelmingly endorsed by delegates on October 20th is hoping that Hon. Shyne Barrow will do the right thing and support her leadership and support the will of the people.”