A deadly outbreak of a flu-like disease has claimed at least 79 lives in the southwestern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), with over 300 individuals infected.
The health ministry reported that most of the victims are between the ages of 15 and 18. Medical teams have been deployed to Kwango Province, particularly the Panzi health zone, to manage the crisis and investigate the nature of the disease.
The symptoms exhibited by the infected include fever, headaches, coughs, runny noses, breathing difficulties, and anaemia. This sudden spike in cases has raised serious concerns about the disease’s spread and its potential to worsen. 
Response teams are urgently working to contain the outbreak, as more people continue to fall ill.
Flu-Like Disease in DR Congo Spreads Rapidly in Kwango Province
The outbreak has hit Panzi, a rural health zone, hardest, and local authorities are struggling to manage the situation.
According to Cephorien Manzanza, a civil society leader, the scarcity of medicines in the area is exacerbating the crisis. He stressed the growing concern as the number of infected individuals rises.
Medical teams from the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa region are actively collecting samples for lab investigations. They have dispatched experts to the remote area in hopes of identifying the disease’s origins and potential treatments.
Meanwhile, the local population has been urged to remain vigilant and practice preventive measures such as handwashing and avoiding mass gatherings. Authorities have also advised against handling deceased bodies without the presence of qualified health personnel to prevent further spread.
Ongoing Health Crisis: Flu-Like Disease and Other Outbreaks in DR Congo
In addition to the flu-like disease, DR Congo has been grappling with other health challenges. The country is currently facing an outbreak of mpox, which has seen approximately 14,500 cases between January and July this year.
DR Congo has also experienced periodic Ebola outbreaks in the past, further complicating the nation’s ongoing public health efforts.
As the flu-like disease continues to spread, local authorities have made urgent calls for international assistance to cope with the outbreak. Panzi hospital is facing severe shortages of medicines, which has prompted a local MP to request urgent aid.
The situation remains critical, with efforts intensifying to curb the disease’s impact on the population.
Flu-Like Disease in DR Congo Under Investigation
The flu-like disease in DR Congo has rapidly spread across Kwango Province, claiming numerous lives and overwhelming the local healthcare system.
As medical teams investigate the cause of the outbreak, authorities are calling for increased support to prevent further casualties. With other ongoing health crises, DR Congo continues to face significant challenges in managing its public health sector.
The international community must provide aid to assist with the response to this urgent health crisis.
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