Unidentified Disease Claims Over 67 Lives in Southwestern Congo

Health officials deploy experts to investigate a mysterious illness causing fever, headaches, and anemia in the Panzi health zone of Kwango province.

At least 67 deaths from an unknown disease were reported in Congo's Kwango province between November 10 and November 25, with some officials estimating up to 143 fatalities.
Symptoms include fever, severe headaches, coughing, and anemia, with women and children reportedly the most affected.
Epidemiological teams and the World Health Organization (WHO) are working to collect samples and identify the illness, while local authorities urge precautions such as avoiding contact with deceased individuals.
Limited medical supplies in the rural Panzi health zone have exacerbated the crisis, with many patients dying at home without treatment.
The outbreak occurs as Congo continues to battle a severe mpox epidemic, which has resulted in over 47,000 suspected cases and 1,000 deaths this year, highlighting ongoing public health challenges in the region.