Health authorities in Congo have issued warnings regarding an unidentified flu-like illness that has resulted in at least 71 fatalities in the southern Kwango province. The deaths, which occurred between November 10 and 25 in the Panzi health zone, include 27 individuals who died in medical facilities and 44 who passed away in the community.
Congolese Minister of Public Health Roger Kamba stated that it is premature to ascertain the cause or mode of transmission of the illness. In a press briefing, he remarked, “It appears to resemble a respiratory illness. I emphasize: it appears to resemble. We only received the alert four or five days ago, so it is unrealistic to expect that we can identify the transmission method in such a short time.”
Among the hospital deaths, 10 were linked to insufficient blood transfusions, while 17 were due to respiratory complications. Approximately 380 individuals have been affected, with nearly half being children under five years old. Reported symptoms include fever, headache, cough, and anemia.
Dr. Diedonne Mwamba, Director General of Congo’s National Institute of Public Health, highlighted the region’s vulnerability, citing a malnutrition rate of around 40% and a history of typhoid outbreaks, which complicate the response. He stated, “We are currently on high alert. We need to confirm through diagnostics whether this is indeed a respiratory infection.”
The Panzi health zone, located approximately 435 miles (700 kilometers) from the capital, Kinshasa, presents logistical challenges for the ongoing investigation. Epidemiological teams are in the area collecting samples to determine the outbreak’s cause, with results anticipated in the coming days, according to Jean Kaseya, head of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the meantime, Congo is also dealing with an mpox epidemic, which has seen over 47,000 suspected cases and more than 1,000 deaths, further taxing the nation’s healthcare resources.
Health officials are advising caution as they continue to investigate this mysterious illness.
