A false alarm has been declared regarding the recent health crisis in Congo’s Equateur province, where dozens of deaths and hundreds of cases initially raised concerns about a mysterious disease. It has now been determined that malaria is the primary cause.
Health authorities in northwest Congo are investigating a surge in malaria cases that has surpassed 1,000, leading to at least 60 reported deaths.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged that while malaria, which is spread by mosquitoes, is prevalent in the region, other possible causes are still being considered.
The U.N. health agency has expressed uncertainty about whether the outbreaks are related.
“Thorough epidemiological and clinical evaluations, along with further laboratory testing, are still necessary,” stated the WHO’s Africa office.
Since the first outbreaks were reported in late January in two villages located more than 100 miles apart, nearly 1,100 cases have been recorded.
Africa’s leading public health organization has identified infections in five villages and is investigating whether water or food sources may be contributing to the illnesses, in addition to flu and typhoid.
Dr. Ngashi Ngongo from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted during an online briefing that testing predominantly indicates malaria as the cause.
“Out of 70 blood smear tests performed, around 78% were positive for malaria, while rapid tests indicated a positivity rate of about 55%,” he detailed.
