KINSHASA, Dec. 10 (AGCNewsNet) – A mystery disease outbreak in the Panzi health zone of Kwango Province, Democratic Republic of Congo, has claimed 31 lives, primarily affecting children under five and severely malnourished individuals, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Tuesday.

Between October 24 and December 5, the disease caused 406 reported cases in remote rural areas, where limited healthcare infrastructure and heavy rains have hampered response efforts. Symptoms include fever, headache, cough, runny nose, and body aches.

WHO teams have been deployed to investigate the outbreak, collect samples for laboratory analysis, and provide medical treatment. However, challenges in identifying the cause of the disease have slowed progress.

"This is a complex situation, with multiple factors potentially at play, including severe malnutrition, malaria, and respiratory infections," said a WHO official.

Malaria, a common and deadly disease in the region, is suspected of contributing to the outbreak, alongside other possibilities such as acute pneumonia, influenza, COVID-19, and measles. Experts have not ruled out the likelihood of multiple diseases being responsible for the reported cases and deaths.

Efforts are ongoing to contain the outbreak as healthcare workers face logistical challenges exacerbated by the region's remoteness and the rainy season.

The WHO emphasized the urgent need to strengthen healthcare diagnostics and infrastructure to prevent further loss of life. "The priority remains saving lives while identifying the root cause of the outbreak," the official added.

For now, the international community watches closely as the Congo grapples with yet another health crisis in one of its most vulnerable regions.

Stay connected with AGC NewsNet for the latest news from Africa.