WHO Investigates Mysterious Disease In Congo That Killed Dozens Of People

- World Health Organization (WHO) (@who)

JAKARTA The World Health Organization (WHO) sent a team of experts to the Democratic Republic of Congo to investigate the mysterious illness that has caused the death of dozens of people in the country. This step was taken to help local health authorities deal with the ongoing health crisis.

The WHO team is currently heading to Panzi, an area in Kwango Province, southwest of Congo, with essential medicines and diagnostic equipment. This effort aims to analyze the cause of the mysterious disease.

"Our priority is to provide effective support to families and communities affected," said WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, Sunday, December 8.

"All efforts are being made to identify the cause of this disease, understand how it is transmitted, and ensure the right response as quickly as possible," he added.

According to data from the Ministry of Health of Congo released by WHO, up to now there have been 394 cases of mysterious disease, with 30 deaths in the Panzi health zone. However, a local authority report earlier this week stated that the death toll reached 143 people during November 2024.

Symptoms experienced by patients include headaches, coughs, fever, difficulty breathing, and anemia. Currently, the laboratory is conducting an analysis to identify the cause of the disease.

WHO is committed to immediately sharing the latest information once laboratory test results are available. "We will ensure that any developments related to the causes and steps to control this disease are immediately known to the public," said Matshidiso Moeti.

This crisis is of international concern, given its significant impact on public health in Congo. The WHO and local governments are expected to find a solution to stop the spread of the disease as quickly as possible.