Mystery Disease Claims 71 Lives in DR Congo, Authorities on Maximum Alert

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) is on maximum alert over a mysterious illness that has killed at least 71 people in the Panzi region since late October. Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba described the outbreak as “an unknown public health event” with flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, and headaches.

Kamba confirmed 27 deaths in health centres, while another 44 fatalities were reported in the community, though some may have other causes. He stressed the need for close monitoring and response efforts to contain the outbreak.

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The affected Panzi region, located 700 kilometres southeast of Kinshasa, suffers from poor road access, inadequate health infrastructure, and severe shortages of drinking water and medicine. Over 60 percent of residents, particularly children, face malnutrition, compounding the crisis.

Kamba recalled that the region had experienced a major typhoid fever epidemic two years ago, underscoring the area’s vulnerability to health crises. Authorities are calling for urgent attention to address the outbreak and improve living conditions in the region.