An outbreak of an “unknown” disease with flu-like symptoms has killed at least 79 people in the south-western Democratic Republic of Congo.
The country’s health ministry reported that the majority of victims are aged between 15 and 18, AFP reports.
More than 300 people have been infected, displaying symptoms such as fever, headaches, runny noses, coughs, breathing difficulties, and anaemia.
Response teams have been dispatched to the Panzi health zone in Kwango Province, where the disease is most prevalent, to manage cases and investigate its cause.
Civil society leader, Cephorien Manzanza, told Reuters, “Panzi is a rural health zone, so there is a problem with the supply of medicines.”
A WHO Africa region official confirmed to the BBC, “We have dispatched a team to the remote area to collect samples for lab investigations.”
Local authorities have advised residents to wash their hands regularly, avoid mass gatherings, and refrain from touching the bodies of the deceased without qualified health personnel.
A local MP revealed on Top Congo Radio, “It should be noted that Panzi hospital is short of medicines to cope with this epidemic.
We really need assistance.” The MP added that 67 people died between 10 and 26 November.
This outbreak comes as DR Congo continues to grapple with a severe mpox outbreak, recording around 14,500 infections between January and July this year, alongside previous battles with Ebola.