an unknown disease kills dozens – DW – 03/12/2024

An epidemic of unknown origin has caused dozens of deaths in the localities of Panzi, Kamucheke and Mukanza, in Kwango province, in the west of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to the vice-governor of the province, Remy Saki, 143 deaths were recorded as of December 2.

A team of health experts was deployed on site to take samples, the samples of which will be analyzed at the National Institute of Biomedical Research.

Remy Saki explains on the microphone of the DW that the authorities have “dispatched a team to the site which is taking samples and raising awareness among the population about certain measures to be taken, so that the epidemic cannot become widespread. Among these measures, for example, those responsible for immigration to be able to limit the movements of populations and also to record the entries and exits of populations, people who come from surrounding villages, but also to practice the barrier measures formerly practiced during the coronavirus period. a muffler is also required.

Don't touch the corpses

The illness would resemble the flu. Symptoms may include fever, headache and cough. We would also observe a abnormal drop in hemoglobin level in the blood, according to the provincial Minister of Health, Apollinaire Yumba

This advises the population to refrain from any contact with corpses in order to avoid any contamination.

He has launched a national and international appeal for the sending of medical equipment.

According to an anonymous source within theThe World Health Organization, WHO also sent a team to the field.