Mystery flu-like outbreak kills dozens in Congo, investigation underway, National reports

A flu-like illness that has killed dozens of people in two weeks is under investigation in the South West Congolocal authorities said.

The deaths were recorded between November 10 and 25 in the Panzi Health Zone of Quang Ninh Province. Symptoms include fever, headache, cough and anemia, provincial health minister Apollinaire Jumba told reporters over the weekend.

The province’s deputy governor, Remy Saki, told The Associated Press on Tuesday that between 67 and 143 people had died.

“A team of epidemiological experts in the region is expected to take samples and identify the problem,” he added.

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Yumba advised residents to be cautious and refrain from contact with the dead to avoid contamination. He called on national and international partners to send medical supplies to deal with the health crisis.

Congo is already afflicted mpox epidemic, with more than 47,000 suspected cases and more than 1,000 suspected deaths from the disease in the central African country, according to the World Health Organization.

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