Health Emergency Unfolds in Kwango: Children Face Dire Threat

A severe malaria outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has claimed 143 lives, primarily affecting children under five in the Kwango province.

At a Glance

Severe malaria outbreak in DRC’s Kwango province initially misidentified as “Disease X”
592 cases reported since October, with a 6.2% fatality rate
64% of cases affect infants and toddlers under five years old
World Health Organization (WHO) and local health teams working to control the outbreak
High malnutrition rates in the region complicate treatment efforts

Malaria Outbreak Identified in Kwango Province

A severe form of malaria has been identified as the cause of a mysterious illness that has been affecting hundreds of people, mostly children, in the southwestern Kwango province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The outbreak, which began in October, has resulted in 592 cases and 143 deaths, primarily impacting children under 14 years old.

The DRC health ministry reported a 6.2% fatality rate, with 64% of cases occurring in infants and toddlers under five. Initially labeled as “Disease X,” the illness presented with flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, cough, runny nose, fatigue, and body aches. Severe cases were often linked to malnutrition, which is prevalent in the region.

Test results confirming the characteristics of a mysterious infection that has affected 376 people and claimed 79 lives in the #DRC, are expected on Friday or Saturday, says @AfricaCDC Director General Dr @JeanKaseya2. The #disease is particularly severe in children, with… pic.twitter.com/r98Dc1R91F

— Africa CDC (@AfricaCDC) December 5, 2024

Confirmation of Severe Malaria

After extensive testing, local authorities confirmed that the mysterious illness was indeed a severe form of malaria. The DRC health ministry stated, “The mystery has finally been solved. It’s a case of severe malaria in the form of a respiratory illness.” This diagnosis was supported by laboratory results showing that 10 out of 12 samples from affected individuals tested positive for malaria.

“The mystery has finally been solved” – the health ministry

The confirmation of malaria as the cause has alleviated fears of a novel respiratory viral disease. Malaria, which is endemic in the DRC, is transmitted through mosquito bites rather than through respiratory means, limiting its spread compared to airborne viruses.

Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment

The outbreak has overwhelmed healthcare facilities in the Panzi health zone, which were already struggling with limited resources. The high malnutrition rates in the region, affecting approximately 40% of the local population, have complicated both diagnosis and treatment efforts.

“weakened by malnutrition” – Tedros Ghebreyesus

The World Health Organization (WHO) initially considered links to diseases such as COVID-19, influenza, measles, and malaria due to the respiratory symptoms presented by patients. The region’s low vaccination coverage has increased vulnerability to various diseases, further complicating the health crisis.

Response and Ongoing Efforts

The WHO has dispatched rapid response teams to assist with treatment, testing, and investigation of the outbreak. These teams are working alongside local health authorities to control the spread of the disease and provide necessary medical care to affected individuals.

“Lab testing is ongoing” – a WHO spokesperson

While the identification of malaria as the cause of the outbreak provides some clarity, the situation remains critical. The DRC faces significant challenges in addressing this health crisis, given the high prevalence of malaria in the country. In 2021 alone, the DRC reported over 30.5 million cases of malaria and nearly 79,000 deaths.

As efforts continue to combat this severe malaria outbreak, health officials are emphasizing the importance of preventive measures, including the use of mosquito nets and insecticides, to reduce the risk of transmission. The international community’s support remains crucial in helping the DRC overcome this health crisis and strengthen its healthcare infrastructure for future challenges.