At least 79 people have di3d from an unidentified disease causing flu-like symptoms in the south-western Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the health ministry.
The majority of the deceased are between the ages of 15 and 18.
Over 300 people have been infected, exhibiting symptoms such as fever, headaches, runny noses, coughs, breathing difficulties, and anaemia.
Response teams have been dispatched to Kwango Province, particularly the Panzi health zone, where the disease is most prevalent, to manage cases and investigate its nature.
Cephorien Manzanza, a civil society leader, told Reuters news agency the situation was worrying as the number of infected people continues to rise.
“Panzi is a rural health zone, so there is a problem with the supply of medicines,” he said.
A World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa region official told the BBC they have “dispatched a team to the remote area to collect samples for lab investigations”.
Authorities have urged the population to remain calm and vigilant.
They urged people to wash their hands with soap, avoid mass gatherings, and avoid touching the bodies of the deceased without qualified health personnel.
A local MP told Top Congo Radio that about 67 people had fallen sick and di3d between 10 and 26 November.
“It should be noted that Panzi hospital is short of medicines to cope with this epidemic. We really need assistance,” said the MP.
The central African country has also been dealing with a severe outbreak of mpox. Between January and July this year, they recorded about 14,500 infections.
DR Congo has also dealt with bouts of Ebola over the years.
