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Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) — Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have declared a state of “maximum alert” following the outbreak of an unidentified disease that has claimed the lives of at least 71 people in Kwango Province since October, according to Health Minister Roger Kamba.
The disease, described as an epidemic of “unknown origin,” has so far affected 382 people in the Panzi area of Kwango, with patients displaying flu-like symptoms. While approximately 300 individuals have reportedly recovered, the death toll remains a significant concern, with 27 fatalities recorded in healthcare facilities and 44 occurring in local communities.
Provincial health minister Apollinaire Yumba has provided even graver figures, suggesting that 131 deaths have been documented since November 10.
“We are on maximum alert,” Minister Kamba said during a press briefing in Kinshasa. “This is an epidemic that demands vigilant monitoring and a coordinated response.”
Respiratory Illness Suspected
Preliminary observations suggest the disease could be respiratory in nature, coinciding with the region’s seasonal flu period, which typically peaks in December. However, other possibilities, including COVID-19, are also under consideration, though the higher mortality rate in Kwango compared to COVID-19 raises questions.
“These are hypotheses pending the results of the sampling,” Kamba explained. “Poor medical and logistical conditions in the affected area have complicated efforts to identify the disease.”
Emergency Response Underway
Specialized intervention teams have been deployed to the region to investigate the disease’s origin and nature. Samples have been collected for testing, and health authorities are working to enhance medical support in the affected communities.
The outbreak underscores the ongoing challenges facing the DRC’s healthcare system, which is often strained by limited resources and infrastructure. Experts fear that delays in identifying and addressing the epidemic could lead to its further spread.
Authorities are urging vigilance among local populations and healthcare workers while awaiting definitive results and guidance. “We remain committed to uncovering the cause and preventing further loss of life,” Kamba affirmed.
This alarming situation adds to the public health challenges faced by the DRC, a nation already grappling with periodic outbreaks of other diseases such as Ebola and measles.
