Mysterious disease claims 79 lives in DR Congo’s Kwango province
A mysterious illness has led to the deaths of at least 79 people in the Kwango province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), sparking concern among health officials and residents. The outbreak, which occurred between November 10 and 25 in Panzi village, is characterized by symptoms including fever, headaches, breathing difficulties, and severe anemia.
In response, the government has dispatched a team of epidemiologists to the region to investigate the cause, collect samples, and identify the disease. Health Minister Samuel Kamba Roger noted that while the specific illness remains undiagnosed, its symptoms resemble those of mpox or Ebola, both of which have posed significant health challenges in the country in the past.
Kwango’s provincial governor has emphasized the urgency of addressing the outbreak to prevent further deaths and potential spread. The samples collected will undergo analysis at the National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB) in Kinshasa.
The DRC is no stranger to battling epidemics, and authorities are leveraging past experiences to manage this crisis. Public health measures, including community awareness and limiting gatherings, are being reinforced as investigations continue.
By: Linda Akite
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