KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo

Difficulties accessing the area in the Democratic Republic of Congo where a mysterious disease has emerged is a major challenge in determining its cause, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Heavy rains have made the region, located a 48-hour drive from Congo’s capital Kinshasa, difficult to reach, according to a new WHO report.

The disease was first reported this October in the Panzi region of Kwango in southwestern Congo.

Symptoms include fever, headache, cough, shortness of breath, and anemia.

WHO experts from the have joined forces with Congo government teams deployed to manage the outbreak.

“Our priority is to provide effective support to the affected families and communities. All efforts are underway to identify the cause of the illness, understand its modes of transmission, and ensure an appropriate response as swiftly as possible,” said Matshidiso Moeti, WHO regional director for Africa.

The undiagnosed disease has claimed more than 80 lives, most of them young people over age 15, according to the Congo Health Ministry.

Health Minister Roger Kamba confirmed the deaths of 30 people who reached health facilities, including 10 children, while 45 others died at home.

Congo is also facing an mpox outbreak, with over 39,000 recorded cases and more than 1,000 deaths since the start of the year.