Jakarta – A flu-like illness of unknown origin has killed 143 people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The deaths were reported in Kwango province, located in the southwestern part of the country, bordering Angola to the south.
Between November 10 and November 25, between 67 and 143 people died from this mysterious disease in an area known as the Panzi health zone in the province, said Rémy Saki, the deputy governor of Kwango province, and Apollinaire Yumba, the provincial health minister, on Monday.
“Epidemiology experts are expected to be in the area to collect samples and identify the cause,” Saki said.
Those infected exhibited flu-like symptoms, including high fever and severe headaches. The situation is particularly concerning as the number of infected people continues to rise.
The sick have been dying in their homes due to a lack of medical care, said Saki and Yumba. Women and children are said to be the most severely affected by the illness.
A spokesperson for the World Health Organization (WHO) said they were aware of reports of the unidentified disease and were working closely with local authorities.
“We have sent a team to the remote area to collect samples for laboratory investigation,” said WHO spokesperson Tarik Jašarević in a statement to NBC News.
Meanwhile, Apollinaire Yumba advised the local population to be cautious and avoid contact with the bodies of the deceased to prevent potential infection.
