By Newsmata
One hundred and forty-three (143) persons have been reported dead from a mysterious illness that ravaged the Kwango province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, triggering widespread alarm among local authorities and residents. According to Remy Saki, Vice Governor of Kwango, and Apollinaire Yumba, the provincial health minister, those afflicted show flu-like symptoms such as fever and headaches.
Health officials, says reports reaching Newsmata.com.ng, have dispatched a medical team to the rural Panzi area to collect samples and conduct urgent analyses to identify the disease. However, the response effort faces significant challenges due to inadequate medical supplies in the region, as highlighted by Yumba.
Cephorien Manzanza, a civil society leader, described the situation as dire, warning that infections are increasing daily. Regional epidemiologists have reported that women and children are the most affected, adding to concerns about the outbreak’s toll on vulnerable populations.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the illness and implement measures to stem its spread as fears mount across the province.