A mysterious illness resembling the flu has claimed dozens of lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly affecting children under five.

In just over two weeks, between 79 and 143 people have died in the remote Panzi area of Kwango province.

The World Health Organization has dispatched a team of epidemiologists to identify the pathogen, as symptoms include high fever, severe headache, cough, and anemia.

The region's poor infrastructure and high malnutrition rates exacerbate the crisis.

Authorities urge caution, drawing parallels to past outbreaks like Ebola, while emphasizing the need for vigilance without panic.