Mysterious illness continues to spread and kill people in Congo

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo are struggling to contain a severe outbreak of flu-like mysterious illnesses, worsened by high levels of malnutrition and endemic diseases in the region.

According to reports, a mix of severe malaria and potentially an unidentified virus are contributing to the outbreak, which has reportedly claimed hundreds of lives, including a man who recently died of hemorrhagic fever symptoms.

However, Ngashi Ngongo, Africa CDC chief of staff and head of the executive office said that the working diagnosis now is malaria,". The situation has been exacerbated by malnutrition in the region, he said, describing it as the most likely hypothesis.

A theory of a viral haemorrhagic disease occurring against the background of malaria has not been ruled out, Ngongo said.

Challenges in diagnosis and response

The hardest-hit area, Panzi, faces multiple hurdles, including poor road access, lack of health infrastructure and critical drinking water and medicine shortages. Malaria is endemic in the region, which has a staggering malnutrition rate of 61%. The combination of weakened immunity and seasonal rainfall has exacerbated the crisis.

World Health Organization (WHO) head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed that most blood samples from the area tested positive for malaria but cautioned that more than one disease might be at play. Earlier tests ruled out coronavirus, concluding that the illness affects the respiratory system and presents symptoms such as fever, cough and headaches.

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Historical and current health crisis

The region has a history of disease outbreaks, including typhoid fever, mpox, and anemia. Over the past year, Congo reported over 47,000 suspected mpox cases and 1,000 related deaths.

To combat the current outbreak, the WHO has sent anti-malaria medicine to local health centers, with more supplies expected soon. However, ongoing heavy rains and widespread malnutrition continue to complicate the situation, placing the already vulnerable population at heightened risk.

Authorities said efforts are underway to collect and test additional samples to identify other possible pathogens and strengthen the region’s strained healthcare system.