2024 Kwango province disease outbreak
 | It has been suggested that 2024 Democratic Republic of the Congo flu outbreak be merged into this article. (Discuss) Proposed since December 2024. |
| 2024 Kwango province disease outbreak | |
|---|---|
_-_Kwango.svg) Location of the impacted province, in red | |
| Disease | Unidentified |
| Location | Kwango, Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| Dates | 10 November 2024 – ongoing |
Deaths | 67–143 |
Beginning in November 2024, health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported a significant outbreak of an unidentified flu-like illness in the southwestern region of Kwango Province. The outbreak, primarily in the Panzi rural health zone, resulted in between 67-143 fatalities and prompted investigation by local and international health organizations.[1]
Outbreak
[edit]The first recorded fatality from the disease outbreak was recorded on 10 November 2024. According to provincial authorities, including Deputy Provincial Governor Rémy Saki, the death toll ranged from 67 to 143 individuals up to 25 November, several of whom died in their homes due to lack of medical care. Those afflicted with the unidentified illness suffered from several flu-like symptoms, including severe headache, cough, high fever, and nausea, with the addition of anemia. Women and children were reported to be the most severely impacted by the infection.[1][2]
Response
[edit]Kwango health minister Apollinaire Yumba implemented preliminary containment measures, including advising residents to avoid contact with deceased individuals to prevent potential transmission. Local authorities requested additional medical supplies from the international community.[1]
The World Health Organization (WHO) initiated investigations into the nature of the disease, which included sample collection.[3]
See also
[edit]- West Africa Ebola virus epidemic
- Mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- 2019–2020 measles outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- 2016 Angola and DR Congo yellow fever outbreak
- 2008 Democratic Republic of the Congo cholera outbreak
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Health officials investigate mystery disease in southwest Congo after 143 deaths". AP News. 2024-12-03. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- ^ "Unknown disease kills 143 people in south-west DRC, local authorities say". The Guardian. 2024-12-03. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- ^ Reporter, Natalie Venegas Weekend (2024-12-03). "Congo reports dozens dead from unknown disease". Newsweek. Retrieved 2024-12-03.