DRC - Kwango: At least 37 confirmed deaths due to epidemics of undiagnosed origin reported in Panzi - November 30, 2024+ - malaria, H1N1pdm09 influenza confirmed

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Press release

Following reports of 'mysterious illness' in DRC, UNICEF responds to health needs in the country's southwest, where respiratory illnesses combined with malaria have led to a spike in child deaths

High malnutrition rates in the affected health zone have also contributed to children's vulnerability

January 22, 2025

KINSHASA/PANZI, 22 January 2025 – UNICEF is supporting the Government’s response to a surge in illness and death – mainly affecting children under 5 – in Panzi, a remote area of Kwango province in the south-west of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Local authorities issued an alert on 28 November 2024 regarding a sharp increase in deaths from an illness characterised by fever, respiratory distress and general fatigue. Initially unidentified, subsequent investigations revealed that it was malaria associated with influenza and COVID-19 and complicated by high rates of malnutrition in the context of a fragile health system.

As part of the national response, UNICEF is providing medical and nutritional supplies, supporting free access to care for patients, helping the population better understand the situation and strengthening local capacities to identify sick people.

“UNICEF is working to stabilize the situation by providing resources to treat malnutrition and improve the quality of medical care,” said Jean Francois Basse, UNICEF Representative ad interim. “Over the next six months, we will work with the government to strengthen the health system, improve the capacity of health workers, improve services for children, increase vaccination coverage and raise awareness among the community on how to protect themselves against diseases.”

After the investigation team found that the deceased were malnourished, a rapid nutritional survey was conducted. The results showed that global acute malnutrition was at 18%, exceeding the emergency threshold of 15%; and severe acute malnutrition was at 6%, three times higher than the emergency threshold of 2%.

UNICEF has already transported 20 tonnes of medical and nutritional supplies and set up an emergency tent to accommodate additional beds for patients. A number of medical kits will be sent to the most remote and hard-to-reach health areas. UNICEF has also provided 170 tonnes of therapeutic food, medicines and equipment.

https://www.unicef.org/drcongo/communiques-press/besoins-sanitaires-sud-ouest-pays-maladies-respiratoires-paludisme

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.who.int/emergencies/dise...em/2024-DON547

Acute respiratory infections complicated by malaria (previously undiagnosed disease) - Democratic Republic of the Congo

27 December 2024

Situation at a glance

This is an update to the Disease Outbreak News on Undiagnosed disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo published on 8 December 2024 (now named acute respiratory infections complicated by malaria). It includes updated epidemiological investigation information and preliminary laboratory results. On 29 November, an alert was raised by local health zone authorities of Panzi health zone in Kwango province after an increase in deaths, particularly among children under five years of age, following febrile illness. Enhanced epidemiological surveillance was rapidly implemented, which in the absence of a clear diagnosis was based on the detection of syndromic cases of febrile illnesses with cough, body weakness, with one of a number of other symptoms compatible with acute respiratory and febrile illnesses. This resulted in a rapid increase in the number of cases meeting the definition, with a total of 891 cases reported as of 16 December. However, the weekly number of reported deaths (48 deaths reported over the period) has remained relatively stable. As of 16 December, laboratory results from a total of 430 samples indicated positive results for malaria, common respiratory viruses (Influenza A (H1N1, pdm09), rhinoviruses, SARS-COV-2, Human coronaviruses, parainfluenza viruses, and Human Adenovirus). While further laboratory tests are ongoing, together these findings suggest that a combination of common and seasonal viral respiratory infections and falciparum malaria, compounded by acute malnutrition led to an increase in severe infections and deaths, disproportionally affecting children under five years of age. Multidisciplinary rapid response teams have been deployed to investigate the event and strengthen the response. Efforts are ongoing to address the health needs in Panzi health zone. Enhanced surveillance in the community and within health facilities continues. The teams have also been providing support for diagnosis, the treatment of patients as well as with risk communication and community engagement. This event highlights the severe burden from common infectious diseases (acute respiratory infections and malaria) in a context of vulnerable populations facing food insecurity. It emphasizes the need to strengthen access to health care and address underlying causes of vulnerability, particularly malnutrition, given the worsening food insecurity.
Description of the situation

Since the last Disease Outbreak News on this event was published on 8 December 2024, 485 additional suspected cases and 17 additional deaths have been reported from Panzi health zone in Kwango Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, across 25 out of the 30 health areas in Panzi. These cases were identified as a result of enhanced surveillance put in place following the report of deaths in the context of febrile illness with acute respiratory symptoms and anaemia, first reported on 29 November. While the number of reported cases was not deemed particularly unusual in a context of high burden of pneumonia, malaria and acute respiratory infections, particularly at the start of the rainy season, it is the increase in the number of deaths that triggered the alert on 29 November.
In the absence of diagnosis, a broad surveillance case definition was used, with the resulting case numbers reflecting the detection of any febrile illness occurring in Panzi and thus representing a range of diseases and clinical syndromes. The case definition includes: any person living in the Panzi health zone from September 2024 to date, presenting with fever, cough, body weakness, runny nose, with or without one of the following symptoms and signs: chills, headache, difficulty breathing, malnutrition, body aches. This was done to better understand the epidemiology and characteristics of deaths and to collect a range of clinical samples for laboratory testing.
Between 24 October and 16 December 2024, 48 deaths and a total of 891 cases across 25/30 health areas of Panzi health zone met the case definition. Children under five years of age are disproportionally affected, representing 47% of all cases and 54% of all deaths, while they represent around 18% of the population, likely reflecting the vulnerability of young children to severe disease and death in this context. The main symptoms associated with death include difficulty in breathing, anaemia, and signs of acute malnutrition.
A total of 430 samples including blood samples, oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swabs, urine and breastmilk samples were collected from suspected cases in Panzi health zone and transported to the laboratory at the INRB. Out of 88 rapid diagnostics tests for malaria performed in the field, 55 (62%) samples tested positive. In addition, out of 26 samples analyzed by PCR BioFire Global Fever Panel test (which tests 18 different pathogens including some of the viral hemorrhagic fevers), 17 (65%) samples tested positive for Plasmodium falciparum. In addition, a total of 89 samples were tested at INRB Respiratory Disease Surveillance Laboratory. Of the 89 samples, 64 samples were positive for common respiratory viruses including Influenza A (H1N1, pdm09) (n=25), rhinoviruses (n=18), SARS-COV-2 (n=15), Human coronaviruses (n=3), parainfluenza viruses (n=2), and Human adenovirus (n=1).
Other laboratory tests on the collected samples, including virological and bacterial analysis, are still ongoing. The ongoing investigations and preliminary laboratory findings suggest that a combination of common viral respiratory infections and falciparum malaria, compounded by acute malnutrition led to an increase in severe infections and deaths.
Enhanced surveillance will continue, alongside response activities. The number of weekly reported suspected cases has remained steady with the exception of an increase in epidemiological week 50 (week ending 15 December 2024, Figure 1). While this may partly reflect an increase in transmission of respiratory viruses and malaria with the rainy season, it is driven by an increase in surveillance and case finding following the deployment of the rapid response teams. Notably, the increase in cases is not matched with a comparable increase in deaths.
Figure 1: Weekly epidemiological curve showing suspected cases and deaths reported between 24 October to 16 December 2024, Panzi health zone in Kwango Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo

* Data for the epidemiological week 51 is not complete at the time of publication.
There are proportionally more cases reported among females (58%, 514/889), particularly among adults (66% female, 173/262). While data is lacking to better understand this difference, it may stem from contact patterns of respiratory virus transmission within households, particularly a close interaction between mothers and children during acute respiratory illnesses.
Figure 2: Geographic description of the affected health zone in Kwango Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo

The affected area experienced deterioration in food security in recent months, with increasing levels of acute malnutrition. Between July and December 2024, which coincides with a drop in acute malnutrition, Kwango province was in Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Acute Malnutrition (AMN) Phase 3 (Serious). Between January and June 2025, an increase in cases of malnutrition is projected in the province with a significant deterioration in the nutritional situation expected, moving to IPC AMN Phase 4 (Critical). Between July 2024 and June 2025, nearly 4.5 million children aged 6 to 59 months in the DRC are facing or expected to face acute malnutrition, including approximately 1.4 million cases of severe acute malnutrition and 3.1 million cases of moderate acute malnutrition. It is also estimated that 3.7 million pregnant and breastfeeding women are facing or expected to face acute malnutrition over the same period.^[1]
Severe acute malnutrition is a life-threatening condition that requires medical treatment. In addition, disease and malnutrition combine to worsen each other. The area has low routine vaccination coverage. There is also very limited access to diagnostics and quality case management, and a lack of supplies and transportation, shortage of health staff in the area, as well as financial and geographical barriers to access to health care. Increasing malaria trends are expected with the start of the rainy season, however, malaria control measures in the area are very limited. Together, these factors may increase the severity of malaria, and common respiratory infections.
Overall, this event highlights the severe burden from common infectious diseases (acute respiratory infections and malaria) in a context of vulnerable populations facing food insecurity and emphasizes the need to strengthen access and quality of health care.
Public health response

1. Leadership and coordination:
   • Daily coordination meetings are being held at the national level, with provincial teams actively participating in ongoing planning and response.
   • National rapid response team (RRT) composed of experts from Ministry of Health (MoH), INRB and WHO deployed from Kinshasa on 7 December and arrived in Panzi on 10 December. Following the departure of the national team, a joint MoH-Africa CDC rapid response team has been deployed with support from WHO.

2. Surveillance:

• A case definition has been developed based on clinical symptoms observed, guiding surveillance and reporting efforts.
• Active case search is continuing in health facilities and the community.
• Data collection is ongoing, focusing on preparing a line list and detailed epidemiological analysis.
• Community deaths are being investigated to better understand the context of deaths and vulnerability factors.
• WHO is deploying a senior epidemiologist and a data manager to support the ongoing surveillance activities and improve data collection.

3. Case Management:

• Provincial and national RRTs, including WHO, UNICEF and Médecins Sans Frontières, have been deployed to the affected areas and are strengthening case management in health facilities as well as providing medical supplies including medication. The teams carried medication and medical equipment to support case management and prevent more deaths.
• Efforts are underway to strengthen the capacity of healthcare providers to ensure the best possible care for patients.
• Six oxygen concentrators are being installed at the Panzi General Referral Hospital and three hotspot health centers to support patient care.

4. Laboratory:

• Laboratory equipment was transported to collect samples from cases and send samples for testing at the INRB in Kinshasa. Additionally, RDTs for malaria and COVID-19 have been provided to assist in diagnosis.
• Laboratory reagents have been procured to continue facilitating the ongoing testing at INRB.

5. Risk communication and community engagement:

• Key messages were developed to enhance public awareness and encourage general preventive behaviors. These messages are being disseminated through community engagement, with sensitization campaigns underway.

6. Infection prevention and control:

• Infection prevention and control measures are being reinforced. Health workers have been briefed on key practices, including the proper use of masks, hand washing, and gloves, to reduce the risk of transmission of respiratory and other pathogens.

7. Logistics

• Logistical support is being provided for effective case management, including the transportation of samples to INRB Kinshasa for laboratory testing. Health facilities and hospitals in the most affected health areas are being supplied with appropriate medications and sampling kits to support the response.
• Medical kits for malaria, IPC kits, blood transfusion kits as well as additional medical supplies to support treatment efforts have been provided.
• A mobile internet kit is being deployed to address some of the telecommunication challenges in the affected health zone.

WHO risk assessment

Symptoms such as fever, cough, headache, and body aches have been observed since 24 October, primarily through health worker reports, and an uptick in deaths was observed in epi week 47, which triggered the signal. Since the alert was reported, there has not been any significant increase in reported deaths.
The epidemiological information together with the early laboratory result indicate an event triggered by an increase in acute respiratory virus cases associated with malaria, with a background of a worsening of the nutritional situation in Panzi, disproportionally affecting young children. The WHO African Region accounts for about 94% of all malaria cases and 95% of deaths globally (World Malaria Report 2024). Children under five account for about 76% of all malaria deaths in the Region. Over half of these deaths occurred in four countries: Nigeria (30.9%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (11.3%), Niger (5.9%) and United Republic of Tanzania (4.3%). Support is being provided for laboratory diagnosis and strengthening case management including the treatment of malaria cases with appropriate medication.
An increase in common respiratory viruses and malaria is expected at this time of year in Panzi with the rainy season, however it is the increase in deaths that triggered the initial signal. There has been an increase in influenza and SARS-CoV-2 activity reported from Kinshasa through sentinel sites since mid-October. WHO and UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage for 2023 show DTP3 and PCV3 coverage at 60% and 59%, respectively, however, no data is currently available for the affected health zone, leading to uncertainties about vaccine-derived population immunity.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) for acute food insecurity levels in Kwango province increased from IPC 1 (acceptable) in April 2024 to IPC 3 (Crisis Level) in September 2024. This suggests a significant phase of increase in food insecurity and risk of severe acute malnutrition. In Addition, the IPC acute malnutrition classification currently classifies Panzi health zone as IPC acute malnutrition phase 3 (serious), projected to move to phase 4 (critical) from January 2025.
While mortality from common infectious diseases is expected to increase as transmission increases, this event highlights that mortality from known and expected infectious diseases can be high in a context of vulnerability and malnutrition, emphasizing the need to strengthen malaria control, clinical management, improve access to care and reduce the prevalence of malnutrition.
Gaps in case management have also been identified. Stock-outs of medications for treating common diseases frequently occur, and care is not provided free of charge, which could limit access to treatment for vulnerable populations and increase severity and mortality of known and treatable infections.
The affected area’s remoteness and logistical barriers, including a two-day or longer road journey from Kinshasa due to the rainy season affecting the roads and limited telecommunication network coverage across the health areas, have hampered the rapid deployment of response teams and resources. Furthermore, there is no functional laboratory in the health zone or province, requiring the collection and shipment of samples to Kinshasa for analysis. This has delayed diagnosis and can continue to impact the ongoing response efforts.
Insecurity in the region adds another layer of complexity to the response. The potential for attacks by armed groups poses a direct risk to response teams and communities, which could further disrupt the response.
Based on the above rationale, the overall public health risk level to the affected communities is assessed as high, and requires an integrated public health approach to reduce mortality from infections, improve nutritional status and strengthen malaria control, among others.
At the national level, the risk is considered low due to the localized nature of the event and that it is caused by a range of illnesses whose severity is compounded by the vulnerability of the population in the local context. However, many other areas of DRC are seeing increasing levels of malnutrition, and what has been witnessed in Panzi could also happen elsewhere in the country.
As such, efforts need to continue to prevent similar situation in other vulnerable parts of the country. At the regional and global levels, the risk remains low at this time.


WHO advice

To reduce the impact of the ongoing event in the Panzi health zone, WHO advises the following measures:
Strengthening coordination mechanisms at all levels—national, provincial, zonal, and local—is critical for a unified response. Enhanced communication infrastructure, such as satellite phones, is required to overcome the limited network coverage in affected areas.
Improving surveillance efforts is a priority to better understand disease trends and mortality. Active case searches should continue in both health facilities and communities, with a particular focus on areas reporting deaths and family clusters. Community-based surveillance must be strengthened to ensure early case detection and rapid response.
Careful characterization of the clinical syndrome and outcomes and an improved case definition based on the information collected will be necessary to understand the situation. In particular, data which clarify possibility of coinfection and multiple pathologies, and uncertainties in outcomes among vulnerable groups should be collected. The WHO has established the Global Clinical Platform to provide rapid turnaround of structured data analysis using anonymized case records; its use is recommended in the detailed capture of patient syndromes and outcomes.
Effective case management requires ensuring an adequate supply of essential medications, access to oxygen therapy, and training of healthcare workers including basic emergency and critical care to support treatment and prevent more deaths. RDTs for malaria should be distributed to facilitate early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Long-term laboratory capacity strengthening, and decentralization will be important in provision of diagnostic capability in the affected health zone and detect cause of deaths early.
Infection prevention and control measures must be reinforced across all health facilities. Healthcare workers should receive training on best practices, including the proper use of personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves, as well as strict hand hygiene protocols. These measures will reduce transmission risks within health facilities and improve the safety of healthcare delivery.
The role and added value of the health sector during food crises is crucial to prevent, reduce and reverse the causal relationship between poor nutrition, disease and death – before, during and after the onset of severe food shortages. As needs and vulnerabilities during food crises are complex, interlinked and multidimensional, intersectoral coordination and collaboration, especially between the health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and food security clusters, should be stepped up as part of the overall humanitarian response. Data collection and analysis should be strengthened to inform the overall response.
Risk communication and community engagement are essential to raising public awareness. Targeted messages should be disseminated to educate the public on respiratory illness symptoms, preventive measures, and the importance of seeking care early. Community leaders must be engaged to build trust and encourage adherence to public health guidance. Addressing misinformation and fears within the community is critical to ensuring effective collaboration in the response.
Logistical and security challenges also require attention. Strengthening logistical support for the deployment of teams and supplies will ensure timely access to affected areas. Contingency plans should be developed to address potential insecurity posed by armed groups, safeguarding response personnel and maintaining continuity in response activities.
Further information

• Democratic Republic of the Congo Ministry of Health Press Release: https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1YqGovjjrwAKv?s=09
• Democratic Republic of the Congo: Acute Malnutrition Situation For July - December 2024 and Projection for January - June 2025 https://www.ipcinfo.org/ipc-country-...7190/?iso3=COD

^[1] Democratic Republic of the Congo: Acute Malnutrition Situation For July - December 2024 and Projection for January - June 2025 https://www.ipcinfo.org/ipc-country-...7190/?iso3=COD
Citable reference: World Health Organization (27 December 2024). Disease Outbreak News; Acute respiratory infections complicated by malaria (previously undiagnosed disease) – Democratic Republic of the Congo. Available at: https://www.who.int/emergencies/dise...em/2024-DON547

[Pathfinder]

Willy BITWISILA L
@willybitwisila1

Translated from French by Google

KWANGOLAISES AND KWANGOLAISES,

I AM STAND BEFORE YOU TODAY TO INFORM YOU OF A HEALTH SITUATION AFFECTING OUR PROVINCE, IN THE TERRITORY OF KASONGO LUNDA.
THIS IS THE OUTBREAK THAT IS CAUSING DEATHS IN THE SO FAR UNIDENTIFIED PANZI HEALTH ZONE.

TODAY, AFTER A RIGOROUS EVALUATION, THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE INRB LABORATORY HAVE JUST CONFIRMED THAT IT IS THE FLU, CAUSED BY THE VIRUSES INFLUENZA AH1N1, HUMAN RHINOVIRUSES (HRV) AND SARS-COV-2 ASSOCIATED WITH MALARIA ON A GROUND OF MALNUTRITION, AN EPIDEMIC THAT I OFFICIALLY DECLARED.

THESE DISEASES ARE MANIFESTED BY FEVER, COUGH, RHINORRHEA, PHYSICAL ASTHENIA ASSOCIATED OR NOT WITH DYSPNEA, GENERALIZED ACHES, SORE THROAT AND MUSCLE PAIN.

COMPLICATIONS MADE OF SEVERE ANEMIA, RESPIRATORY AND METABOLIC DISORDERS CAN LEAD TO DEATH.
THEREFORE, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT ANY PERSON SHOWING THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS MENTIONED ABOVE GO TO THE NEAREST HEALTH CARE FACILITY FOR CORRECT AND FREE CARE.

I SEIZE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT, ON BEHALF OF THE KWANGO PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT AND MY OWN, MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO ALL THE FAMILIES SUFFERED BY THIS EPIDEMIC!
THE RAPID AND WORRYING DEVELOPMENT OF THIS EPIDEMIC REQUIRES IMMEDIATE AND GENERAL MOBILIZATION.

TO THIS END, I ASK THE ENTIRE POPULATION TO RESPECT THE FOLLOWING MEASURES:
- WASH YOUR HANDS REGULARLY AND CORRECTLY WITH SOAP OR ZANDRE,
- WEAR A MASK (NOSE COVER);
- RESPECT PHYSICAL DISTANCING (AT LEAST 1 METER);
- DO NOT GREETING BY THE HAND;
- SLEEP EVERY NIGHT UNDER A MOSQUITO NET TREATED WITH INSECTICIDE;
- INITIATE FOOD SURVIVAL ACTIVITIES (LIVESTOCK, AGRICULTURE) AND PROMOTE SELF-CONSUMPTION.

BECAUSE THEY SAY, “PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE”
➢ KWANGOLAISES AND KWANGOLAISES,
I WOULD LIKE TO REASSUR EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU THAT ALL NECESSARY MEASURES ARE BEING TAKEN TO SLOW DOWN THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS.

LONG LIVE THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO;

LONG LIVE KWANGO PROVINCE

THANK YOU
@Presidence_RDC

@PrimatureRDC

@MinSanteRDC

@inrb_kinshasa

(Video)

https://x.com/i/status/1872230282658464103

4:37 AM · Dec 26, 2024

[Treyfish]

Kwango: Influenza AH1N1 virus epidemic officially declared after deaths in the Panzi health zone

The unknown disease that has been raging for several weeks in the Panzi health zone, in the Kwango province, now has a name. The National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) has confirmed that it is a co-infection involving the Influenza AH1N1 virus, the human rhinovirus (HRV) and SARS-CoV-2, associated with malaria against a background of malnutrition.
The provincial governor, Willy Bitwisila, officially declared the epidemic on Thursday, December 26. He said the disease manifests itself through symptoms such as fever, cough, generalized body aches, sore throat and muscle pain. Complications, including severe anemia as well as respiratory and metabolic disorders, can be fatal.
Faced with this situation, the governor called for vigilance...

I ask the entire population to respect the following measures: wash hands regularly and properly with soap or ash, wear a mask, respect a physical distance of at least one meter, avoid greeting each other with a handshake and sleep under a mosquito net impregnated with insecticide," he added. The governor also encouraged food self-sufficiency initiatives through agriculture and livestock...

https://actualite.cd/index.php/2024/12/26/kwango-lepidemie-virus-influenza-ah1n1-officiellement-declaree-apres-des-deces-dans-la

[Treyfish]

Kwango province affected by influenza virus in Panzi health zone

Published on Thu, 12/26/2024 - 10:42 PM | Modified on Thu, 12/26/2024 - 10:43 PM

The flu caused by the Influenza virus, associated with malaria on a ground of malnutrition, is the unknown disease that has been decimating the population in the health zone of Panzi, in the province of Kwango, for more than a month.
This is what the diagnosis made by the INRB reveals after in-depth analyses.
The governor of Kwango province, Willy Bitwisila, officially declared on Wednesday night, December 5, this epidemic which has caused around thirty deaths and more than 400 cases in this part of the Kasongolunda territory.

"This is the epidemic that is causing deaths in the previously unidentified Panzi health zone. After a rigorous investigation, the results from the INRB laboratory have just confirmed that it is influenza caused by the Influenza AH1N1 virus or Man rhino virus HLVE SALS Pove 2, associated with malaria on the ground of malnutrition.
An epidemic that I am now officially declaring. I would therefore like to reassure each and every one of you that all necessary measures are being taken to slow the spread of this virus," said Willy Bitwisila.

https://www.radiookapi.net/2024/12/26/actualite/sante/la-province-du-kwango-affectee-par-le-virus-influenza-dans-la-zone-de

[Treyfish]

Kwango epidemic: 592 cases and 37 deaths in the DRC, an alarming co-infection identified

Serge Ouitona

Published on December 27, 2024 at 12:43 a.m. Reading 3 min.
For several weeks, an unknown disease has been wreaking havoc in the Kwango province of the DRC. After extensive investigations, provincial authorities have revealed a complex co-infection, prompting Governor Willy Bitwisila to officially declare an epidemic situation.

The Kwango province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing a major health crisis. Governor Willy Bitwisila officially declared an epidemic in the Panzi health zone on Thursday, December 26, 2024. This announcement follows several weeks of concern over a disease whose origin was still unknown .

Analyses conducted by the National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB) confirmed a co-infection involving the Influenza AH1N1 virus, human rhinovirus (HRV), SARS-CoV-2, and malaria, all against a backdrop of chronic malnutrition.
An alarming health situation

Symptoms reported in patients include fever, persistent cough, muscle aches and pains, and sore throat. Serious complications, such as severe anemia, respiratory problems, and metabolic disorders, have been observed, sometimes leading to death. These factors are aggravated by malnutrition, which further weakens the population, especially children and the elderly.

To limit the spread of the disease, the provincial governor called on the population to be extra vigilant and to strictly respect the health measures already put in place during the Covid-19 pandemic :

• Hand hygiene: frequent washing with soap or ash.
• Wearing a mask: to reduce the risk of respiratory contamination.
• Physical distancing: maintaining at least one meter between people.
• Malaria prevention: use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
• Reduce physical contact: avoid handshakes.

"Anyone showing these signs and symptoms should go immediately to the nearest health facility for proper and free care," the governor insisted.
A multi-sectoral response to counter the crisis

In the face of this complex epidemic, local authorities say they have taken measures to control the situation and curb the spread. In addition, Governor Willy Bitwisila has called for strengthening community initiatives to combat malnutrition. To this end, he has encouraged agriculture and livestock as a means of promoting food self-sufficiency.
This health crisis highlights the multiple vulnerabilities faced by the population of Kwango. The joint efforts of health authorities, humanitarian organizations and the community are essential to contain this epidemic and limit its impact. However, the rigorous implementation of barrier gestures and rapid access to care remain the immediate priorities. At the last point presented by the Council of Ministers on Friday, December 20 in the DRC, 592 cases of people affected by the disease and 37 deaths were mentioned.

https://www.afrik.com/epidemie-au-kw...nte-identifiee

[Treyfish]

Kwango: 592 cases and 37 deaths due to febrile illness of unknown origin (Minister of Public Health)

December 22, 2024

Kinshasa, December 22, 2024 (ACP).- The Democratic Republic of Congo has already recorded in the 50th week 592 notified cases and 37 deaths due to the febrile disease of unknown origin which is raging in the province of Kwango, southwest of the country, according to the Minutes of the 27th meeting of the Council of Ministers, consulted Sunday by the ACP.
"Finally, as for the febrile illness of unknown origin which is raging in the province of Kwango, the country has recorded to date 592 reported cases and 37 deaths ," we read.
According to the source, the Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Security presented the report on the epidemiological situation of this disease, whose laboratory analyses showed that it is a flu including the Influenza AHINlpdm09 virus, with a prevalence of 28%...

https://acp.cd/sante/kwango-592-cas-et-37-deces-dus-a-la-maladie-febrile-dorigine-inconnue-ministre-de-la-sante-publique/

[Pathfinder]

Translation Google

DRC: Unidentified and deadly disease may be linked to influenza (official)

French.news.cn | 2024-12-21 at 08:37

KINSHASA, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- The fever of unknown origin that is raging in a southwestern province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is believed to be linked to influenza, the Congolese government announced Friday evening.

"This is therefore a flu that has been formally identified," said Patrick Muyaya, government spokesman, at the end of the cabinet meeting held earlier in the day in Kinshasa, the capital. During the meeting, the Minister of Public Health Roger Kamba gave an update on this disease reported in the province of Kwango, with 592 cases reported.

According to laboratory analysts, the prevalence of the influenza virus is 28%, the minister said, specifying a "significant presence" of rhinovirus and SARS-COV-2 in the samples. His ministry did not respond to requests for clarification on this subject.

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) leadership reported 37 deaths, mostly children under five, saying there are two hypotheses for the unidentified disease.

The first hypothesis suggests malaria aggravated by malnutrition and a viral infection, while the second suggests a viral infection occurring at the same time as malaria and malnutrition, Ngashi Ngongo, chief of staff of the Africa CDC, said Thursday during a press briefing.

According to him, a man died with signs of hemorrhagic fever, with a sample sent to Kinshasa, the country's capital.

The DRC said it was on "maximum alert" in early December in the face of this disease. End

https://french.xinhuanet.com/20241221/015497d73f8648d8811a0ca595e63320/c.html

----------------------

DRC: Flu identified as probable cause of mysterious illness

by Charbel LOKOSSOU December 21, 2024 at 9:23 am

A public health mystery seems to be resolved in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The disease that has caused panic in the Kwango province, characterized by fever, cough and mainly affecting children, is in reality linked to influenza.

This announcement was made by the Congolese government at the end of the council of ministers. Patrick Muyaya , government spokesman, declared: "This is therefore a flu that has been formally identified."

DRC faces a complex epidemic

However, the situation is more complex than just seasonal flu. Laboratory tests have revealed co-infection with other viruses, including rhinovirus and SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. Roger Kamba , Minister of Public Health in the DRC , highlighted the “significant presence” of these viruses in the samples.

This co-infection could explain the severity of the disease in some patients, particularly children. Ngashi Ngongo , chief of staff of the Africa CDC, mentioned two hypotheses: malaria aggravated by a viral infection or a viral infection occurring at the same time as malaria and malnutrition.

Although influenza appears to be the main culprit, the situation remains under surveillance. The Congolese government has put in place measures to contain the epidemic and strengthen epidemiological surveillance.

Patrick Muyaya assured that the government is "closely monitoring the situation" and that all necessary measures are being taken to protect the population.

https://www.afrique-sur7.fr/rdc-grippe-identifiee-comme-cause-probable-de-la-maladie-mysterieuse

[Pathfinder]

Some excerpts from the question period:
(Typos possible)

... What made people sound the alarm given that the symptom looks very similar to malaria. Is it unusual deaths or something slightly different in the cases manifestation?

Dr Ngashi Ngon: to Carry's question about what was the trigger, the trigger was the high case fatality rate... 6.2% CFR...

...
Question from Gabriel Emanuel from NPR:... I am curious about the situation in Panzy and my understanding, I spoke to one scientist who said many people actually have the malaria parasite in their blood because it's just so common in the area such as a positive malaria test might not be what is causing them to get sick so I was wondering if there have been other diseases that have been eliminated from the differential of what can be causing this outbreak...

Dr Ngashi Ngon: ... the point she made with malaria is the reason why the second hypothesis now weights on a viral disease which is happening in the background of malaria because malaria is endemic in the area and also malnutrition and that is also where in the discover of this new case of hemorrhagic syndrome might also be pointing towards that hypothesis ...we are also exploring other things...we are hoping that in the next one week we should be able to get at least the initial results...
...
Dr Ngashi Ngon: ...about the case of hemorrhagic fever, we received the message that was forwarded to us this morning which just said that an adult male just died of a hemorrhagic fever syndrome. Since it came this morning, it means that it is something that just happened over the last 2 to 3 days, but what we hear also is that the sample has already been collected and it has been sent to Kinshasa. It is on its way to Kinshasa. It's a very recent case.

[Pathfinder]

SPECIAL BRIEFING ON MPOX || DEC. 19, 2024

Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
...

Screenshots from the video:

[Treyfish]

....."The mystery has finally been solved. It's a case of severe malaria in the form of a respiratory illness," the health ministry said in a statement, adding malnutrition in the area had weakened the local population, leaving them more vulnerable to disease.

The statement also said that 592 cases had been reported since October, with a fatality rate of 6.2%.

Provincial health minister, Apollinaire Yumba, told Reuters that anti-malaria medicine provided by the World Health Organization was being distributed in the main hospital and health centers in the the Panzi health zone.

A WHO spokesperson said more health kits for moderate and critical cases were due to arrive on Wednesday.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said last week that 10 early samples from patients in Congo suffering from a mystery illness had tested positive for malaria, but that he had not not ruled out the possibility that they suffered from other concurrent diseases. (Reporting by Yassin Kombi; Additional reporting by Sonia Rolley and Ange Kasongo; Writing by Anait Miridzhanian Editing by Bate Felix and Alex Richardson)

https://www.newsmax.com/health/health-news/congo-disease-deaths/2024/12/17/id/1191950/

[alert]

Malaria might absolutely be the cause of the undiagnosed fatalities, but it's not the cause of the respiratory symptoms.

Given the surge in seasonal flu in Kinshasa, I'd assume that's what's going on here as well, but it's possible that something like RSV might also be in play.

I wonder if the unusual way of describing this is intended for the local audience and not the international community or Flublogia: Malaria kills, but influenza (or RSV or Mycoplasma or...) doesn't generally, so they're intentionally only mentioning the threat that they can and must deal with. It doesn't really matter to the affected community what's making people cough...it matters what's killing them.

[Treyfish]

.....In an emailed statement to USA TODAY, the World Health Organization said it hasn't conclusively determined the cause of the illness yet and lab testing is ongoing.....
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/...a/77044559007/

[Treyfish]

sounds like crap to me.

Congo’s health ministry says unknown disease is severe malaria

Reuters
-17 Dec 2024, 11:05 PM
The previously unidentified illness killed 143 people in the southwestern Kwango province. LUBUMBASHI: Democratic Republic of Congo’s health ministry said today that a previously unidentified disease circulating in the country’s Panzi health zone is a severe form of malaria.

Earlier this month, local authorities said the disease had killed 143 people in the southwestern Kwango province in November.
“The mystery has finally been solved. It’s a case of severe malaria in the form of a respiratory illness … and weakened by malnutrition,” the health ministry said in a statement.

It also said that 592 cases had been reported since October 2020 with a fatality rate of 6.2%.

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/ca...evere-malaria/