Wed Dec 04 01:26:53 UTC 2024: ## Mysterious Flu-Like Illness Kills Dozens in Congo
**Kinshasa, DRC (December 4, 2024)** – A deadly flu-like illness has claimed the lives of dozens in Kwango province, southwestern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), over the past two weeks, sparking an investigation by health authorities. The outbreak, reported between November 10th and 25th in the Panzi health zone, is characterized by fever, headache, cough, and anemia.
While initial reports indicated dozens of deaths, the deputy provincial governor, Rémy Saki, stated the death toll ranges from 67 to 143. A team of epidemiological experts is en route to collect samples and identify the pathogen. Provincial health minister Apollinaire Yumba urged residents to avoid contact with the deceased and appealed for medical supplies from national and international partners.
The DRC is already grappling with a significant mpox outbreak, with over 47,000 suspected cases and 1,000 suspected deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). A WHO team is currently on the ground assisting with sample collection. The organization is aware of the new outbreak, but further details are pending the experts’ investigation.
First Piper 