Hundreds of people in northwest Congo have tested positive for malaria as health officials investigate the cause of a surge that has surpassed 1,000 cases and resulted and have resulted in at least 60 fatalities.
While malaria, a mosquito-borne disease, is common in Congo’s Equateur province, the World Health Organization has not ruled out other potential causes. The U.N. health agency said that it remains unclear whether the outbreaks are connected.
Hundreds of individuals have been diagnosed with malaria in northwest Congo as health authorities seek to determine the reasons behind a rise in cases that have exceeded 1,000 and have resulted in at least 60 deaths.
The World Health Organization noted that while malaria, transmitted by mosquitoes, is common in Congo’s Equateur province, other potential causes have not been dismissed.
The U.N. health agency indicated that it remains uncertain whether the outbreaks are interconnected.
“Comprehensive epidemiological and clinical assessments, along with additional laboratory analyses, are still required,” stated WHO’s Africa office.
Nearly 1,100 cases have been documented since the initial outbreaks were identified in two villages located over 100 miles apart in late January.
Africa’s leading public health organization reported that infections have been found in five villages and is exploring whether water or food sources might be contributing to the illnesses, alongside flu and typhoid.
However, Dr. Ngashi Ngongo from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mentioned in an online briefing that tests are primarily indicating malaria.
“Of the 70 blood smear tests conducted, approximately 78% returned positive for malaria, while rapid tests showed about 55% positivity,” he explained.
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