Disease Outbreak in Congo's Panzi Health Zone

A mysterious disease with flu-like symptoms has resulted in the deaths of nearly 150 individuals in the Panzi health zone of Kwango province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, between November 10 and November 25. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, cough, and anemia, with women and children being the most affected. The World Health Organization (WHO) and local health authorities have dispatched a team of epidemiological experts to collect samples and identify the disease. The ongoing mpox epidemic in the region, with over 47,000 suspected cases and 1,000 deaths, further strains the local health system, which faces shortages of medical supplies. Local officials have advised residents to avoid contact with the deceased to prevent further spread. The situation remains dire and has prompted calls for national and international support to manage the crisis.