Congo Reports Dozens Dead From Unknown Disease

At least 67 people have died from an unidentified illness in less than two weeks in southwestern Congo, according to local officials on Tuesday.

What Happened?

The deaths, centered in the Panzi health zone of Kwango province, has ignited fears of a wider epidemic, with victims suffering symptoms such as fever, headaches, coughing, and anemia.

The deaths were recorded between November 10 and November 25.

Deputy provincial governor Rémy Saki told The Associated Press on Tuesday that between 67 and 143 people died. He added that health authorities are deploying a team of specialists to the region.

"A team of epidemiological experts is expected in the region to take samples and identify the problem," Saki said.

In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) is aware of the unidentified disease and has a team on the ground working with local health services to collect samples, according to an organization employee who spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity.

A government official gets her temperature checked during the launch of the mpox vaccination campaign at the General Hospital of Goma, on October 5, 2024. Congo is reporting at least 67 people have died from... AUBIN MUKONI/AFP/Getty Images

Provincial health minister Apollinaire Yumba sounded the alarm over the weekend about the deaths, urging residents to take precautions and avoid handling the deceased to curb potential spread.

However, as residents grapple with uncertainty, Yumba also appealed to national and international partners for urgent medical assistance.

Mpox Epidemic Remains

This latest health emergency comes amid an ongoing mpox epidemic that has devastated the Central African nation, with over 47,000 suspected cases and more than 1,000 suspected deaths reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The WHO declared mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, a global health emergency in August following outbreaks of the virus in Africa.

Mpox, a virus related to smallpox but typically less severe, manifests with symptoms like fever, chills and body aches, spreading primarily through close skin contact, including sexual transmission. In severe cases, patients may develop painful lesions on the face, hands and genitals.

While the mpox outbreaks have touched 12 of Africa's 54 countries, Congo remains the epicenter, accounting for 91 percent of the continent's cases this year.

However, in November, WHO noted signs of stabilization in mpox cases in the South Kivu region of the Congo, where a more infectious variant of the virus was first detected.

Despite a rise in cases in other areas, WHO reported that the epicenter of the outbreak in South Kivu's Kamituga gold mining town may be "plateauing."

This variant has affected primarily miners and sex workers since its emergence earlier this year, leading health officials to remain vigilant in their monitoring efforts.

Though the trend appears hopeful in South Kivu, WHO acknowledged the limitations in testing and surveillance, making it challenging for researchers to fully understand the virus's spread and its exact reach.

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) estimates that about three million vaccines are still needed to bring the outbreak under control in Congo, despite only 50,000 people having been vaccinated so far.

Africa CDC Director Dr. Jean Kaseya emphasized in early November that Africa remains "in the acute phase" of the mpox epidemic, with 19 countries affected. He urged for more resources to prevent the virus from posing a global health risk.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.