Over 140 dead in Congo as mysterious flu-like illness spreads

Southwest Congo is suffering from a flu-like illness that has killed dozens of people over the past two weeks, according to local authorities.

The deaths occurred in the Panzi health zone in Kwango province between Nov 10 and Nov 25.

According to Rémy Saki, the deputy provincial governor, around 143 people have died due to the illness.

"A team of epidemiological experts is expected in the region to take samples and identify the cause," he added.

Provincial Health Minister Apollinaire Yumba said the symptoms include fever, headache, cough, and anemia. Yumba cautioned the public against coming into contact with dead bodies to prevent transmission.

To combat the health crisis, he urged both domestic and international partners to provide medical supplies.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Congo is already experiencing an mpox pandemic, with over 47,000 suspected cases and more than 1,000 reported deaths in the Central African nation.

An anonymous WHO employee confirmed that the organization is aware of the unidentified disease and has a team on the ground working with local health services to gather samples.