A deadly unknown disease killed 143 people in November in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s southwestern province.

Local authorities confirmed this alarming development to Reuters. The infected displayed flu-like symptoms.

These included high fever and severe headaches. Remy Saki, deputy governor of Kwango province, and Apollinaire Yumba, provincial minister of health, provided this information on Monday.

In response, a medical team traveled to the Panzi health zone. They aim to collect samples and analyze them to identify the disease.

The situation is becoming increasingly dire. Civil society leader Cephorien Manzanza expressed grave concerns. He noted the growing number of infected individuals.

“Panzi is a rural health zone,” Manzanza explained. “There is a serious issue with the supply of medicines.” Many sick people die at home, he added. They lack access to treatment, as confirmed by both Saki and Yumba.

Women and children are especially vulnerable. A local epidemiologist highlighted this troubling fact.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is now involved. On Tuesday, a spokesperson said the agency was alerted last week. They are collaborating with Congo’s public health ministry to investigate further.

Meanwhile, challenges persist. Medicine shortages and inadequate healthcare infrastructure worsen the crisis. Rural areas like Panzi face the greatest burden.

Efforts to uncover the disease’s cause continue. Health officials and international agencies work urgently to find answers.

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