Congo Battles Mystery Flu Outbreak: Dozens Dead
A mysterious flu-like illness has claimed the lives of at least 71 people in Congo’s Kwango province, prompting a government health alert. Initial diagnoses suggest a respiratory illness, but laboratory results are pending to confirm the cause and transmission method. The outbreak, affecting around 380 people, disproportionately impacts children under five, and is complicated by existing health challenges and limited resources in the affected region. While symptoms include fever, headache, cough, and anemia, the lack of testing capacity and remote location hamper response efforts.
John Q. Hosedrinker