Source: Africa Publicity
An illness – initially unidentified and deemed mysterious – that claimed the lives of over 50 people in northwest Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been identified as malaria, according to the country’s National Public Health Institute (INSP).
The outbreak, which occurred in Equateur province at the start of the year, affected at least 943 people, with symptoms ranging from fever and fatigue to vomiting and weight loss.
Health officials initially suspected either malaria or food poisoning as the cause, but lab testing on samples has confirmed malaria as the culprit, said INSP coordinator Christian Ngandu. The research centre is still awaiting results from water, drinks, and food samples sent abroad to test for intoxication.
This outbreak is not an isolated incident, as a separate outbreak in December was also identified as malaria. The DRC has been grappling with malaria, which is a significant public health concern in the country.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has been working closely with local authorities to respond to the outbreak, and has advised on measures to strengthen surveillance, case management, and infection prevention and control.
Have a press release, feature, article for publication? Send it to us via Whatsapp on +233543452542.
