At least 79 individuals, mostly aged 15 to 18, have died in Congo from symptoms including fever, cough, cold, respiratory issues, and headaches, according to the country’s health ministry as reported by BBC.

The Congolese government has yet to confirm whether the deaths were caused by a viral infection or another illness. The health ministry, which has been battling Ebola outbreaks for years, stated that over 300 more people have sought medical care for similar symptoms.

Sépérien Manzanza, a leader of civil society in Congo, expressed concern to Reuters, stating, “The situation is alarming, and the number of people showing these symptoms is increasing. Medicine delivery to remote areas is also a challenge.”

The Congolese government has urged the public to remain calm, according to a BBC report. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has dispatched medical teams to collect samples from the affected areas to identify the cause of the outbreak.