In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 143 people died of an unknown disease similar to flu, the Reuters news agency reported. The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday that it would send its experts to the country to help the local health service find the source of the disease.
An unknown disease appeared in November in the southwestern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. As reported by the Reuters news agency citing local officials, 143 people died from it. Previously, 79 victims were reported.
– Infected people had flu-like symptoms, including high fever and severe headaches, said Remy Saki, deputy governor of Kwango province, on Monday.
WHO is supposed to help find the source of an unknown disease
The World Health Organization said on Friday it would send experts to the town of Panzi in Kwango province to help local health services determine the cause of the disease. The necessary medicines and diagnostic kits are to be delivered there. Experts want to conduct detailed laboratory tests.
“Our priority is to provide effective support to affected families and communities,” said Matshidiso Moeti, WHO regional director for Africa. “Every effort is being made to identify the cause of the disease, understand how it is transmitted and ensure an appropriate response as quickly as possible,” she added.
WHO reported that 394 cases of infection were recorded in Panzi.
Main photo source: alphaspirit/AdobeStock