Mystery illness in Congo likely Malaria, Health Authorities say

A mysterious flu-like illness that has claimed dozens of lives in southwestern Congo in recent weeks is likely malaria, according to initial laboratory findings.

Dr. Jean-Jacques Muyembe, director-general of the National Institute for Biomedical Research in Kinshasa, revealed that nine out of 12 samples collected tested positive for malaria. However, the poor quality of the samples has prompted continued investigations to confirm if the outbreak is indeed an epidemic.

“It is likely malaria because most of the victims are children,” Dr. Muyembe said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) echoed this assessment, with its director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stating that most samples tested positive for malaria. However, he warned that the possibility of other diseases contributing to the outbreak cannot be ruled out, and further testing is underway.

The illness has caused 416 reported cases and 31 deaths in hospitals, while an additional 44 deaths occurred in local communities, Congo’s health minister, Roger Kamba, reported. Most of the victims are children under 14 in the remote Panzi health zone in Kwango province, WHO officials confirmed.

Panzi resident Ezekiel Kasongo shared the harrowing experience of his 9-year-old son, who recently recovered after battling high fever, headaches, and severe weakness.
“We were very worried because of the number of deaths, especially among children. But God be praised, he is out,” Kasongo said.

The symptoms, including fever, headache, cough, and anemia, have raised concerns among health experts. The National Rapid Response Team and WHO investigators visited Panzi last week to collect samples and assess the situation.

Panzi’s remote location, around 700 kilometers (435 miles) from Kinshasa, and limited infrastructure have hampered response efforts. Samples had to be transported to Kikwit, over 500 kilometers away, for testing, said Dieudonne Mwamba, head of the National Institute for Public Health.

The region faces significant public health challenges, including high rates of malnutrition, low vaccination coverage, and recurring epidemics. Two years ago, Panzi experienced a typhoid fever outbreak, and seasonal flu cases have surged across Congo.

As authorities await conclusive results, the WHO continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for swift action to mitigate the impact of the suspected malaria outbreak on vulnerable populations.