ugnet_: Deadly Flu Virus Ravages DR Congo-BBC

[Omar Kezimbira]

Thursday, 6 February, 2003, 17:14 GMT - Deadly flu virus ravages DR Congo By Mark Dummett BBC, Kinshasa A deadly flu epidemic has struck more than a million people and killed more than 100 in Kinshasa, according to the Democratic Republic of Congo's health ministry. The flu, which was first reported in the Central African Republic in September, has now been registered in four Congolese provinces, where authorities say it has killed at least 2,000 people. The head of the epidemiology department at the Democratic Republic of Congo's ministry of health says that more than a million people in Kinshasa, a city of six million, are suffering from the flu. Symptoms include fever, headaches, painful limbs and a sore throat. Dr Kebela Ilunga said more than 100 people are believed to have died in the city. Woeful condition It has been confirmed this week that it is the same flu strain that was first reported in September in the northern Bosobolo health zone, and before then on the other side of the Oubangiu river in the Central African Republic. The flu has now spread to Kinshasa Refugees, rebel soldiers and traders are believed to have brought the virus into DR Congo, where Health Minister Dr Mashako Mamba said, it has killed more than 2,000 people. The vast majority were infants and old people living in isolated and impoverished jungle communities in the northern Equatuer Province, under the control of the rebel Movement for the Liberation of Congo. The war has meant clinics and hospitals there are in a woeful condition, lacking both doctors and medicines. The health ministry says the epidemic has now reached not only Kinshasa but also the neighbouring provinces of Bandundu and Bas Congo. Medecins Sans Frontieres, which is supporting efforts in the capital to treat sufferers, says flu has also been reported this week in neighbouring Congo-Brazzaville. The health ministry says this is the same strain which killed more than 700 people in Madagascar last year, but believes that the worst is now over.

Key stories Q&A: Will peace stick? The long road to peace Rwandan troops leave Shifting rebel alliances Humanitarian crisis The cost of war Background Colonial connection Timeline Country profile TALKING POINT Will peace deal work? See also: 06 Feb 03 | Africa Storm kills scores in DR Congo 26 Nov 02 | Africa DR Congo epidemics hit vulnerable Internet links: UN mission in DR Congo Medecins Sans Frontieres The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Top Africa stories now: Nigerian election fees illegal Zimbabwe witness 'a fraudster' Deadly flu virus ravages DR Congo England launch Zimbabwe appeal Ivory Coast rejects 'death squad' claims Winnie Mandela saves the day Arrests follow Nigeria blast Storm kills scores in DR Congo Links to more Africa stories are at the foot of the page.

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