A severe outbreak in the southwestern Democratic Republic of Congo is being attributed to a combination of malaria, respiratory infections, and malnutrition. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), children under five accounted for around half of the cases and deaths from an undiagnosed disease that appeared in late October.
The WHO said laboratory results showed positive tests for malaria and common respiratory viruses, including influenza and human coronaviruses. Enhanced surveillance was implemented after a surge in deaths, but as there was no clear diagnosis, it relied on tracking symptoms such as fever, coughs, body weaknesses, and difficulty breathing.
From October 24 to December 16, a total of 891 cases were reported with 48 deaths. The WHO assessed the public health risk in affected communities as high, requiring stronger malaria control and improved nutrition. However, at the national level, the risk was considered low due to the localized nature of the event.
The region faces significant challenges, including access difficulties by road, lacking health infrastructure, and shortages of drinking water and medicine. The WHO noted that what has been witnessed in Panzi could also happen elsewhere in the country due to increasing levels of malnutrition.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-12-infections-malaria-malnutrition-dr-congo.html