Mysterious illness strikes DR Congo as WHO intervenes
In the southwestern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 79 people have died due to an unknown flu-like illness, with the number of infections surpassing 300. Local doctors are appealing for help as WHO experts arrive on the scene.
The authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have reported a mysterious disease affecting the country's southwestern regions. The illness is characterized by symptoms such as fever, headache, runny nose, cough, breathing difficulties, and rapidly developing anemia.
According to TVN24, the illness resembles the flu. Most of those infected and who have succumbed to the illness are teenagers aged 15-18.
The World Health Organization faces a challenge with mysterious disease
The highest number of cases has been recorded in the town of Panzi in Kwango province. Authorities have sent support teams to assist local doctors and examine the nature of the disease. Local leaders, such as Cephorien Manzanza, are raising alarms about the lack of medication and appealing for support.
Authorities in the DR Congo recommend residents wash their hands, avoid large gatherings, and refrain from contacting the bodies of deceased individuals without medical personnel present. WHO has sent experts to conduct laboratory tests on samples collected on-site.
As TVN24 reminds us, the DR Congo is also dealing with an outbreak of monkeypox, with approximately 14,500 cases diagnosed in the first half of 2024. The country has also been battling the Ebola virus for years, further straining the healthcare system.
