In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), an alarming outbreak of an unidentified disease has claimed 143 lives, prompting concerns from the World Health Organization (WHO). The epidemic, concentrated in Kwango province near the Angolan border, has hit women and children the hardest, according to local health officials.

Patients are exhibiting flu-like symptoms, including high fever and severe headaches, and many are succumbing to the illness without receiving medical care. Reports indicate that many victims are dying in their homes, exacerbating the crisis.

“The situation is extremely worrying,” warned Remy Saki, the deputy governor of Kwango province. Apollinaire Yumba, the region’s health minister, confirmed that samples are being collected for testing, but no definitive results have been reported.

The crisis has escalated significantly. As of November 25, the death toll stood at 67, but it has since more than doubled. Health authorities are racing to understand the cause of the outbreak, which has overwhelmed the region’s healthcare infrastructure.

The DRC has faced numerous health challenges in recent years, including over 12 outbreaks of Ebola, a virus known for causing flu-like symptoms, severe bleeding, and brain complications. While there is no confirmation yet that Ebola is the culprit in this case, the nation’s struggle with such diseases underscores the difficulty of managing recurring public health emergencies.

The country is currently dealing with a monkeypox outbreak, further stretching resources and complicating the response to this new threat.

The lack of clarity surrounding the disease and the rising death toll have alarmed international health organizations. Local officials have described the situation as critical, and efforts are underway to identify the pathogen and prevent further fatalities.