Investigation Intensifies in DR Congo Amid Rising Illnesses and Deaths in Equateur

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and WHO are investigating a cluster of illnesses and deaths in Equateur province. Since early 2025, 1,096 cases and 60 deaths have been reported, prompting an urgent response. Initial tests ruled out Ebola and Marburg, while malaria is prevalent. Challenges such as remote access hinder healthcare delivery in the region.

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, alongside experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), are intensifying investigations into a recent surge of illness and community deaths in Equateur province. Over recent months, disease surveillance has detected spikes in illnesses and fatalities across different regions, prompting these urgent follow-ups to ascertain causes and provide necessary assistance.

Beginning in early 2025, Equateur province has been affected by a string of illnesses and associated community deaths. Most notably, the Basankusu health zone witnessed 141 new cases last week without any fatalities reported. In February, this health zone reported 158 cases alongside 58 deaths, while Bolamba health zone noted 12 illnesses and 8 deaths in January.

In total, increased disease surveillance has identified 1,096 individuals exhibiting symptoms consistent with a broad case definition, which includes fever, chills, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues, resulting in 60 confirmed deaths across both Basankusu and Bolomba. The ongoing crises within the Democratic Republic of the Congo are further straining the healthcare system and the affected populations.

In reaction to the alarming rise in cases, a national rapid response team, integrating WHO health emergency specialists, has been deployed to the affected areas. Their initiatives include escalating disease surveillance, interviewing local residents to gather insights, and providing treatment for prevalent conditions like malaria and typhoid fever.

WHO has supplied essential medical materials, such as testing kits and investigation protocols, to aid in disease examination. Initial laboratory investigations have excluded Ebola and Marburg viruses, whereas approximately half of the tested samples confirmed malaria infection, which is common in the region. Additional tests for meningitis are pending, and environmental samples will be analyzed for potential contamination.

The geographical separation of Basankusu and Bolomba, located 180 kilometers apart and over 300 kilometers from Mbandaka, complicates access to healthcare services. Inadequate road and telecommunications infrastructure poses additional challenges, hindering effective delivery of medical assistance.

To bolster local healthcare capabilities, WHO is collaborating with health authorities and has trained over 80 community health workers to enhance case detection and reporting. It is imperative to escalate testing and early detection efforts for current and future health threats. WHO continues to provide medical supplies while working closely with health authorities to manage this health crisis effectively.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is experiencing a public health crisis with increased illnesses and fatalities in Equateur province. Health authorities, with WHO’s assistance, are responding with heightened surveillance and treatment initiatives. Ongoing investigations aim to determine the root causes of these health challenges while addressing significant barriers to healthcare access. Immediate measures are necessary to manage and mitigate further outbreaks effectively.

Original Source: www.afro.who.int