NAIROBI, Kenya- A mysterious illness sweeping through southwestern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has claimed over 80 lives, leaving health experts racing to uncover its cause.
Early findings point to malaria as the primary culprit, yet concerns linger over other possible contributors to the devastating outbreak.
Victims of the illness have presented with flu-like symptoms—fever, headaches, breathing difficulties, and severe anemia.
Preliminary testing by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reveals that most cases stem from malaria, a mosquito-borne disease endemic to the region.
Unfortunately, widespread malnutrition is exacerbating the health crisis, making recovery even more challenging for affected individuals.
Dr. Ngashi Ngongo from Africa CDC highlighted the role of malnutrition in worsening outcomes: “The combination of malaria and nutritional deficiencies is creating a perfect storm.”
Efforts to address these compounding factors are underway as humanitarian agencies mobilize resources to provide food and medical aid.
While malaria accounts for most cases, health officials are investigating an alarming death tied to symptoms of hemorrhagic fever. The deceased, an adult male, exhibited signs typically associated with viral infections, raising fears of a concurrent outbreak.
Samples from the individual have been sent to the capital, Kinshasa, for advanced testing. Results, expected within a week, will help determine whether another infectious agent is at play.
“We cannot rule out the possibility of overlapping outbreaks,” Dr. Ngongo cautioned, underscoring the importance of further analysis.
Africa CDC, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other health agencies are doubling down on their efforts to contain the outbreak.
Enhanced testing and monitoring are being conducted in affected areas, while local health workers receive additional support to manage the crisis.
As health authorities await lab results, experts urge the public to take preventive measures against malaria and other illnesses.
For regions grappling with endemic diseases and limited healthcare access, proactive steps like using insecticide-treated mosquito nets and addressing malnutrition are critical.
