A cluster of illnesses and community deaths has occurred in Equateur province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), prompting further investigations led by health authorities and experts from the World Health Organization (WHO). The region has experienced multiple outbreaks, including in Basankusu and Bolomba zones. As of February, there were 158 reported cases with 58 deaths, while in January, 12 people fell ill with 8 fatalities.
The WHO has deployed a national rapid response team to investigate the cause of the illnesses, which include fever, headache, chills, sweating, stiff neck, muscle pain, and cough. The team is conducting interviews with community members, stepping up disease surveillance, and providing treatment for diseases like malaria, typhoid fever, and meningitis.
Initial laboratory tests have ruled out Ebola virus disease and Marburg virus disease, but around half of the samples tested positive for malaria, a common condition in the region. Further tests are underway to determine if there’s an unusual pattern or contamination. WHO has provided emergency medical supplies, including testing kits, and developed protocols to enhance disease investigation.
The Basankusu and Bolomba zones are remote areas with limited access to healthcare services due to poor road and telecommunication infrastructure. To address this, WHO is supporting local health authorities in reinforcing investigation and response measures, with over 80 community health workers trained to detect and report cases and deaths. The WHO remains committed to providing lifesaving medical supplies and coordinating the response to curb the spread of the illness and other outbreaks.
Source: https://www.afro.who.int/countries/democratic-republic-of-congo/news/democratic-republic-congo-deepens-investigation-cluster-illness-and-community-deaths-equateur