The sudden death of 55-year-old Andrea Poloni, a man from Trevignano, Italy, has sparked health concerns as authorities investigate the possibility of a hemorrhagic fever linked to his recent travels in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Poloni died on December 16, just days after returning from an extensive trip to Congo, where he visited the capital Kinshasa and traveled along the Congo River.
Local health officials were quick to issue alerts and begin diagnostic assessments following his death. The Ulss 2 Marca Trevigiana public health service has collaborated with the Istituto Spallanzani in Rome to investigate the cause of his illness, with test results expected within 24 to 48 hours. In the meantime, health protocols have been activated, including mandatory home isolation for close contacts and close health monitoring of individuals who may have been exposed.
Poloni’s case is particularly concerning given reports of multiple fatalities from similar symptoms in the region he visited. In the days prior to his death, two other individuals, a man and a woman, returned to Italy from Congo with similar symptoms. Both were treated in hospitals in Lucca and Cosenza before being discharged.
The Congolese Ministry of Health has referred to the illness as “severe malaria,” noting that it has been complicated by respiratory issues and malnutrition. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised doubts about the official classification, stating that they are still conducting further lab tests to determine the exact cause of the illness. Early test results in Congo suggested a possible malaria infection, but experts caution that the situation could involve multiple co-infections.
Professor Matteo Bassetti, an expert in infectious diseases at San Martino Hospital, speculated that the illness could have zoonotic origins, meaning it could have been transmitted from animals to humans. This would raise further concerns, especially since many of the affected individuals had prior contact with animals before falling ill. The WHO has emphasized the need for more testing and is working on understanding the spread of the disease to better control its transmission.
Poloni, who ran a photovoltaic panel company, leaves behind his wife and daughter. His sudden death has sent shockwaves through his community, underscoring the risks of travel to regions facing emerging health threats. Health officials are urging the public to remain vigilant, particularly for travelers returning from areas with known health risks.
As the situation develops, Italian authorities continue to monitor those who have recently traveled from regions with similar health concerns and ensure they follow necessary precautions. The Ministry of Health has reiterated the importance of staying informed about health advisories and taking precautions to protect against infectious diseases during international travel.
This tragic incident highlights the unpredictable nature of health risks associated with global travel, particularly to regions with emerging infectious diseases. The ongoing investigation aims to provide clarity and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect public health.
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