Malaria is suspected as the primary cause of an illness that has claimed over 80 lives in southwestern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to Africa’s leading health agency.
The affected individuals exhibited flu-like symptoms, including fever, headaches, breathing difficulties, and anaemia. Testing indicates malaria, a mosquito-borne parasitic disease endemic to the region, as the main culprit. Malnutrition in the area is believed to have worsened the outbreak’s impact.
Health experts are also investigating other potential factors, particularly after a patient displaying haemorrhagic fever symptoms died, raising concerns of a concurrent viral infection.
Samples from the deceased have been sent to Kinshasa for analysis, with results expected within a week. The Africa CDC, WHO, and other organizations are conducting further tests and investigations to address the outbreak.
