A mysterious disease outbreak in southwest Congo has infected over 400 individuals since October, with health officials reporting 143 fatalities, predominantly among children under five. The World Health Organization (WHO) documented 406 cases between October 24 and December 5, noting symptoms such as fever, headache, cough, runny nose, and body aches, with a significant impact on young children and females. Local authorities, however, have reported a higher death toll of 143, compared to the WHO’s 31. The WHO suggests that severe malnutrition exacerbates the condition, with potential causes including acute pneumonia, influenza, COVID-19, measles, and malaria. The outbreak’s epicenter, the remote Panzi health zone, is a two-day drive from Kinshasa, complicating access to medical care and supplies, especially during the rainy season. Preliminary diagnostics indicate a respiratory disease, according to Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya.