Govt warned to prepare for Congo’s strange ‘flu-like illness’

The Member of Parliament for Cumuto/Manzanilla, Dr. Rai Ragbir, is urging Government to be on the alert in the event a mysterious disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo—which already has claimed dozens of lives and infected hundreds more—makes an appearance in T&T.

He is concerned that it will just be a matter of time before it begins to cross borders.

Earlier today, Congo’s health minister revealed to international media that the Congolese government is on alert, especially as nearly half of those who have died from the “mystery flu-like disease” were children.

The symptoms of the illness have been identified as headache, fever, respiratory distress (cough), and anemia.

In an official statement, Dr Rai Ragbir warned of the potentially severe nature of the illness and called on the Rowley Administration to adopt a proactive stance where the disease is concerned.

“I urge the Ministry of Health to monitor this unfolding situation closely. Our local health authorities must remain vigilant and ready to act swiftly should any threats emerge,” he stated.  

“Additionally,” Dr Ragbir said, “the government must urgently reassess its public health strategy and prioritize building the infrastructure necessary to respond to emerging diseases.”

Recounting the challenges the country faced in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its lack of a coordinated approach, the Cumuto/Manzanilla MP urged public health decision makers to remember the harsh lessons taught during that time, noting:

“We cannot afford complacency when lives are at stake … implement a comprehensive pandemic response framework to ensure we are prepared for the next health emergency.”

At present, 71 people in the Congo have died from the illness, 27 of whom died in hospitals.

The Congolese health minister reported that of the victims at the hospitals, 10 died due to lack of blood transfusion and 17 as a result of respiratory problems.

He also confirmed that epidemiological experts are in the region to take samples and investigate the disease.

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