Haemorrhagic fever kills 13 in Congo

A haemorrhagic fever of unknown origin has killed 13 people in northwestern Democratic Republic of Congo since August 11, a health ministry official says.

"All 13 people who have died suffered from a fever, diarrhoea, vomiting and, in a terminal stage, of vomiting a black matter," Dr Felix Kabange Numbi said on Thursday.

So far, about 80 people who came into contact with the deceased have been admitted to hospital.