Investigation Intensifies in DRC Amidst Illness Cluster in Equateur Province

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is investigating a cluster of illnesses and community deaths in Equateur province, where recent surveillance has identified significant health impacts. Collaborative efforts between local health authorities and WHO aim to understand the cause and provide necessary medical assistance. Symptoms reported include fever and gastrointestinal issues, and WHO has deployed emergency resources and conducted thorough laboratory testing.

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in collaboration with World Health Organization (WHO) experts, have intensified investigations into a cluster of illnesses and community deaths in Equateur province. Recent months have seen a threefold increase in reported cases of illness and mortality across various areas of the country, prompting follow-up investigations to determine the underlying causes and provide necessary support.

Since the beginning of 2025, Equateur province has recorded a disturbing series of illnesses and deaths. Specifically, the Basankusu health zone reported a recent uptick of 141 new cases, though fortunately, no new fatalities were recorded. Earlier in February, there were 158 cases along with 58 deaths in the same zone, while January saw 12 individuals fall ill, with 8 reported deaths in the Bolamba health zone.

Comprehensive disease surveillance has identified a total of 1,096 individuals who have fallen ill alongside 60 deaths in both Basankusu and Bolomba, presenting a broad spectrum of symptoms including fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues. These findings have exacerbated the region’s existing health crises and outbreaks, straining the health sector significantly.

In response, a national rapid response team, comprising experts from Kinshasa and Equateur as well as WHO health emergency specialists, has been deployed to the affected health zones to investigate potential anomalies. These experts are enhancing disease surveillance efforts, conducting community interviews, and administering treatments for illnesses such as malaria and typhoid fever.

Emergency medical supplies, including testing kits, have been provided by WHO to facilitate thorough disease investigation protocols. Preliminary laboratory results ruled out Ebola and Marburg virus diseases, while approximately 50% of the samples tested positive for malaria. Additional tests for meningitis and environmental samples for potential contamination are forthcoming, with samples dispatched to the national reference laboratory in Kinshasa for further analysis.

Geographically, Basankusu and Bolomba are situated approximately 180 kilometers apart and over 300 kilometers from Mbandaka, the provincial capital. This remoteness poses significant challenges to healthcare accessibility, complicating testing and treatment efforts due to inadequate road networks and telecommunication infrastructure.

WHO’s support includes equipping local health authorities to strengthen investigative and response initiatives, with over 80 community health workers trained to monitor and report health cases and fatalities effectively. Enhanced emphasis on testing and early detection is crucial for managing the current outbreak and preparedness against future incidents.

WHO remains committed to collaborating closely with local, provincial, and national health authorities to deliver essential medical supplies and efficiently coordinate responses aimed at curbing the spread of illnesses and other public health crises within the region.

In summary, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is grappling with a concerning surge in illnesses and community deaths in Equateur province. The response includes intensified investigations, deployment of health experts, and emergency medical support to manage the situation and prevent future outbreaks. Continued surveillance and community engagement are critical to mitigating the health challenges faced by the region.

Original Source: www.afro.who.int