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.