Congo Mysterious Disease Cause: Difficulty Reaching Area Frustrating Efforts as 80 Die

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed frustration with accessing the area in the Democratic Republic of Congo where a mysterious disease has emerged, saying the difficulty is a major challenge in determining its cause.

WHO said in a new report heavy rains have made the region, located within a 48-hour drive from Congo’s capital Kinshasa, difficult to reach.

The undiagnosed illness has claimed more than 80 lives, most of them young people over age 15, according to the Congo Health Ministry.

The disease was first reported in October in the Panzi region of Kwango in southwestern Congo.

Symptoms include fever, headache, cough, shortness of breath, and anemia.

WHO experts from the have joined forces with Congo government teams deployed to manage the outbreak.

“Our priority is to provide effective support to the affected families and communities. All efforts are underway to identify the cause of the illness, understand its modes of transmission, and ensure an appropriate response as swiftly as possible,” said WHO regional director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti.

Health Minister Roger Kamba confirmed the deaths of 30 people who reached health facilities, including 10 children, while 45 others died at home.

Congo is also facing an mpox outbreak, with over 39,000 recorded cases and more than 1,000 deaths since the start of the year. (With Agency Report)