A mysterious illness in the Democratic Republic of Congo is likely a combination of various respiratory infections such as influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, and malaria, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) based on preliminary laboratory results. Authorities were deeply concerned after an unknown disease claimed the lives of dozens in a short period.
Nearly 900 individuals in the Congolese province of Kwango fell ill from late October to early December, with at least 48 deaths reported. Most of the victims were under the age of five and exhibited symptoms like fever, fatigue, headache, and runny nose.
The illness was exacerbated by acute malnutrition, according to the WHO. “This event underscores the heavy burden of common infectious diseases on vulnerable populations facing food insecurity,” stated the WHO.
“It highlights the need to improve healthcare access and address the root causes of vulnerability, particularly malnutrition.” The affected area in Congo is remote and difficult to reach, and there is no laboratory in the province, requiring samples to be sent to the capital, Kinshasa. Teams take approximately two days to travel by road from the capital to Kwango province, with roads becoming less navigable due to the rainy season, according to the WHO.
Source: NOS