A death in western Congo has sparked fresh concerns over a mysterious outbreak that has already claimed the lives of dozens, with health officials now investigating the potential involvement of a viral infection alongside malaria.
The incident occurred on Thursday in the remote Panzi area of Kwango province, where the outbreak was initially thought to be linked solely to malaria. The man who died showed symptoms of hemorrhagic fever, a sign of a possible viral infection, which is typically not associated with malaria. This has raised the possibility that the outbreak could involve more than just the malaria parasite.
Ngashi Ngongo, an official with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), confirmed the death and noted that it has prompted authorities to revise their initial assessment of the outbreak. “Our current hypothesis is that the outbreak may be a combination of severe malaria complicated by malnutrition or possibly a viral infection occurring alongside malaria,” said Ngongo.
Health authorities had previously suspected malaria as the primary cause of the flu-like illness that has affected over 590 individuals, with at least 37 confirmed deaths in medical facilities. Over 80% of those tested have shown positive results for malaria. However, additional reports from local communities suggest there may be more deaths that have yet to be confirmed in health facilities, raising further alarm.
The Panzi region, known for endemic malaria and high levels of malnutrition, has posed challenges for diagnosis. In addition to malaria, there are fears that other illnesses, potentially viral in nature, could be complicating the outbreak.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also weighed in on the situation. WHO’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated that while most blood samples from the area tested positive for malaria, it remains possible that other diseases could be contributing to the epidemic. He confirmed that further tests are being conducted, with results expected next week.
Many of the victims are children under the age of 14, a group particularly vulnerable due to low vaccination coverage in the region. In addition to fever, headaches, and anemia, symptoms in the affected individuals include cough and fatigue, typical of both malaria and viral infections.
The Panzi health zone, which is located around 435 miles (700 kilometers) from the capital, Kinshasa, remains difficult to access, complicating both the investigation and response efforts. Experts from the WHO and the Congo National Rapid Response Team traveled for two days to reach the area, and with limited local testing capabilities, samples had to be transported to Kikwit, some 310 miles (500 kilometers) away.
In the midst of the current crisis, the area also continues to grapple with a resurgence of seasonal flu and a previous typhoid fever epidemic that hit the region two years ago.
Authorities are calling for urgent support to address the outbreak and strengthen healthcare responses, as the local population remains vulnerable to a range of infectious diseases, particularly in the absence of widespread vaccination efforts.
Related topics:
Men’s Health Supplements Market Set for Robust Growth, Reaching $158 Billion by 2033
The Business Case for Prioritizing Men’s Health in the Workplace
Bright Beginnings Launches Tea Towel to Raise Awareness for Parental Mental Health
