Unknown disease threatens lives in DR Congo’s Kwango Province

By The Inspirer.

An unidentified disease has claimed 71 lives in Kwango province, southwestern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), leaving the government deeply concerned about its rapid spread and deadly impact.

Kwango Deputy Governor Remy Saki told the Associated Press on December 4, 2024, that the death toll ranges between 67 and 143. The DRC’s Health Minister, Dr. Roger Kamba, later confirmed 71 fatalities, including 44 in health facilities and 27 at home.

The disease presents with symptoms such as fever, headaches, vomiting, coughing, and severe blood loss. “The government is closely monitoring this outbreak,” said Dr. Kamba, adding that 10 deaths occurred at Panzi Hospital due to anemia and 17 from respiratory complications.

“This illness resembles a respiratory infection, but we cannot determine its mode of transmission without test results,” Dr. Kamba explained, raising fears of a potentially higher death toll due to the weak healthcare infrastructure in rural areas.

“Our rural healthcare system is fragile, but the Ministry is providing necessary resources for targeted care. We await test results to take appropriate action,” he added.

Panzi resident Claude Niongo, who lost his wife and seven-year-old child to the disease, expressed frustration over the lack of medical attention. “We don’t know what’s causing this. I saw high fever, vomiting, and sudden death. While authorities are now engaging us, there is a gap in care. People are dying,” he lamented.

The outbreak, which began on November 10, 2024, comes on top of an ongoing monkeypox epidemic that has killed over 1,000 people in the DRC since early this year.