DRC - 14 deaths in 2 weeks from an unknown disease in the Bulungu territory, Kwilu province - Malaria - more test results pending

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Bulungu, Kwilu
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DRC: 14 deaths recorded in Kwilu following a novel illness (National Deputy)

June 22, 2026

Kinshasa, June 22, 2026 (ACP) - Fourteen people have died within a nineteen-day period from a new disease in the city of Bulungu, Kwilu province, in the west of the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to a national deputy during an interview Monday with ACP.

“ To date, we can formally confirm this information, which has been confirmed to us by the medical director of the Motoyi reference centers, where there have already been 14 deaths in the last 19 days. As a result, the population is fleeing this region to take refuge in neighboring villages, ” declared Jacques Ilunga, the national deputy elected from the Bulungu constituency.

He continued: "There has been an unprecedented situation in Bulungu, particularly in the villages of Mokolo-Biala, in the Nwi group, Nyadinkara sector, Bulungu territory. Since Friday, we have been alerted by our focal point at the group level that the village of Mokolo-Biala... has been emptied of its population because there is an unprecedented disease that is decimating the entire population."

The medical director of the Mutoyi reference health center collected samples from June 15th to 19th, a total of 10 samples, using whatever means were available, which he deposited in Bulungu in a health zone with the chief medical officer of the zone for their transport to the INRB for analysis.

Signs of the disease

According to the source, patients present with signs of headaches followed by stomach pains, then vomiting and joint problems in the knees.

The duration of the illness is estimated at 24 hours.

" The first sign is headaches followed by stomach pains, vomiting, and finally the person dies ," the source explained.

In this context, the population and health personnel have requested the involvement of the authorities to detect the causes.

“The message is very clear, because in just 19 days, we already have 14 deaths. This means it’s a very worrying situation that must be taken seriously. Otherwise, we risk an uncontrollable situation if the authorities don’t get involved. That’s why we’re asking the central government to take this situation in hand and closely monitor what’s really happening,” Jacques Ilunga urged.

ACP/

https://acp.cd/province/rdc-14-dece...e-suite-dune-maladie-inedite-depute-national/

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An unknown disease has killed 14 people in 2 weeks in the Bulungu territory

Published on Mon, 22/06/2026 - 07:07 | Modified on Mon, 22/06/2026 - 07:07

In just two weeks, fourteen people have died from an illness of unknown origin that has struck several villages in the Nkara sector of the Bulungu territory (Kwilu province). This was reported on Sunday, June 21, 2026, by National Deputy Jacques Ilunga Hopeny, citing the medical director of the Mutoy referral health center.

This situation is creating widespread panic among the local population, causing a massive displacement of families to the neighbouring territory of Idiofa and its surroundings.

In response to this situation, Jacques Ilunga calls on government authorities, particularly the Minister of Health, to take the necessary steps to send teams into the field to collect samples for biomedical analysis:

(audio in French)

The honorary health minister of Kwilu, Dr. Bena Mutuy, confirmed the information, mentioning that around twenty deaths had already been recorded.

Radio Okapi attempted to contact the chief medical officer of the Bulungu health zone, without success.

https://www.radiookapi.net/2026/06/...-14-morts-en-2-semaines-dans-le-territoire-de
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Kwilu: An unknown disease has claimed lives in the village of Mukulubiala; 12 samples have been taken.

Monday, June 22, 2026 - 12:54

An unknown illness has claimed lives in the village of Mukulubiala, in the Bulungu territory. Initial reports indicate that around ten people have died and about twenty are receiving treatment at a health center. These figures have not yet been confirmed by the Provincial Health Division, which has nevertheless confirmed the presence of a suspected disease.

According to the head of the provincial health division, those affected are experiencing symptoms including fever, abdominal pain, and vomiting. At least 12 samples have been taken and will be sent to the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) for further analysis. Dr. Jean-Paul Matela is urging the public to remain calm and assures them that all necessary measures are being taken.

“Indeed, there have been deaths in the Nkara sector. We asked the medical director of the nearest health center to investigate. They collected 12 samples, 3 of which we sent to the Kikwit laboratory and 9 are being kept at the PEV branch. Tomorrow, Monday, we will send them to the INRB for analysis,” said Dr. Jean-Paul Matela.

And to continue:

“Most of the patients who arrived presented with fever, abdominal pain and vomiting. From the outset, with the makeshift laboratory, we thought of treating them as cases of severe malaria and there are cases that have been cured,” he added.

According to the head of the provincial health division, some affected people preferred to consult a healer located outside the Bulungu health zone, specifically in Mokala, in the territory of Idiofa.

Jonathan Mesa

https://actualite.cd/2026/06/22/kwi...-morts-au-village-mukulubiala-12-echantillons

 

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Kwilu: Robert Dinsodi Makelele confirms several deaths linked to an unknown disease in the territory of Bulungu.

June 22, 2026
jonasndunda1@gmail.com
Category: Health

A disease of unknown origin continues to cause serious concern in the village of Mukulu-Ebiala, located in the Ndwiy group, Niadi-Nkara sector, Bulungu territory. According to several testimonies gathered on site, this illness has already caused the death of at least fourteen people in less than three weeks.

Jacques Lusey, a teacher at the Ikuta/Nsoy Institute and president of a local development cell in the village, reports that the first cases were recorded on May 31st. The victims presented similar symptoms, including severe headaches, abdominal pain, generalized weakness in the upper and lower limbs, and vomiting.

The first reported death was that of a first-year humanities student who died after a short illness. Subsequently, several other people, both children and adults, succumbed to similar circumstances.

Faced with this alarming situation, many residents have left the village for fear of the disease. Some have taken refuge in neighboring towns, while others have gone to Bandundu-Ville, Pio-Pio, Panu, and other urban areas. Most of the displaced families are living in precarious conditions, staying with relatives or host families.

Contacted by the editorial staff of MwindaCongo.com, the provincial Minister of Health of Kwilu, Robert Dinsodi Makelele, confirmed the existence of several deaths in this part of the territory of Bulungu.

"The situation is confusing. To date, we have recorded 12 deaths. The first case involved a 15-year-old boy. The symptoms observed included headaches, abdominal pain, and vomiting. The deaths affect different age groups, and several members of the same family have been affected," said the provincial minister.

While awaiting the results of medical and epidemiological investigations, the population of Mukulu-Ebiala is urgently appealing to national authorities and health sector partners for a swift intervention. Residents hope for the deployment of medical teams and logistical resources capable of containing this health threat, which continues to cause concern in this part of Kwilu province.

Arnold NDUNDA

https://mwindacongo.com/article/kwi...aladie-inconnue-dans-le-territoire-de-bulungu
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Deadly disease in Bulungu: "It's not Ebola, it's malaria," explains Jean-Jacques Muyembe

Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 1:09 PM

The results of analyses related to the suspected illness that caused about ten deaths and several illnesses in the village of Mukulubiala, in the Bulungu territory, are now available. According to the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB), it is malaria and not Ebola virus disease. When contacted by ACTUALITE.CD, the Director General of the INRB, Dr. Jean-Jacques Muyembe, did not rule out the possibility that poorly treated or untreated malaria was the cause of these deaths.

In Kwilu, a new batch of samples was collected, supplementing the initial samples already sent to the INRB (National Institute of Biomedical Research). The provincial health minister stated that the first 12 samples were collected by "untrained" individuals. The newly deployed teams reportedly completed their fieldwork last Tuesday.

According to Robert Dinsodi, the situation dates back to May 31, when the number of deaths began to rise. A total of 12 deaths have been recorded, affecting people of varying ages, including some under 25. Robert Dinsodi also announced the recovery of several patients after receiving antimalarial treatment.

This suspected disease has caused a displacement of populations towards the neighbouring territory of Idiofa, in search of refuge.

According to health authorities, this area is among those where malaria has been endemic for several years. Those affected have presented with abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever.

Jonathan Mesa

https://actualite.cd/2026/06/24/mal...ebola-cest-le-paludisme-explique-jean-jacques

 

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DRC: A worrying rise in malaria cases in Kwilu province

In western Democratic Republic of Congo, a mysterious illness has caused concern this week in Kwilu province, bordering the capital Kinshasa. According to local sources contacted by RFI, the death toll has reached twelve since the end of May in the Bulungu territory. Fearful residents have fled their villages to neighboring areas. Authorities feared the worst. However, it turns out to be not Ebola, but rather cases of malaria.

Published on:25/06/2026 - 05:37
By : RFI

Members of Parliament and local officials feared the worst, the presence of Ebola, especially since an epidemic was already raging in the east of the country, more than a thousand kilometers away. But the news has come: the mysterious illness causing concern in Kwilu province is not Ebola. Doctors are reporting cases of malaria, according to our correspondent in Kinshasa, Patient Ligodi.

It all began on May 31st in the village of Mukulubiala, in the Niadi-Nkara sector of the Bulungu territory. Deaths mounted, and fear spread. Some residents even left the village to seek refuge in neighboring areas.

The story then began to circulate, even on social media. Health authorities were notified and the chief medical officer of the Bulungu health zone went to the scene.

Among the deaths recorded at the scene were teenagers aged 15, adults aged 25 and 45, and children under 5. In health centers, patients presented with the same symptoms: headaches, fever, abdominal pain, and vomiting.

The National Institute of Biomedical Research confirms cases of malaria

Upon arriving on site three days ago, the chief medical officer for the area suspected malaria. Some of the patients treated, however, have since recovered.

Samples were then sent to Kinshasa, to the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB). Contacted by RFI, its director general, Professor Jean-Jacques Muyembe, confirmed their receipt. He stated that these were not cases of Ebola, but rather cases of malaria, a common disease in the region, and often poorly treated.

The Ebola hypothesis has therefore been ruled out for the time being. However, caution remains: a ten-person health team is scheduled to arrive on site this week to take further samples.

https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20260...-paludisme-inquiète-dans-la-province-du-kwilu
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Kwilu: More than 140 people have died from malaria in six months

Sunday, July 19, 2026 - 4:53 PM

Malaria is a serious public health problem in Kwilu province. Over the past six months, the numbers have been rising. A total of 387,874 cases have been recorded, resulting in 146 deaths. According to the provincial health minister, who spoke with Actualité.cd, the disease affects all 24 health zones in Kwilu province. Robert Dinsodi explained that the disease is not new to the region; the province is endemic, and the threat remains despite the various support efforts from the province's partners in the response.

"There have been many cases with 146 deaths. The province is endemic and malaria does not spare people. All 24 health zones are affected. There is a real malaria problem, whether in the severe or simple stage," he said.

The latest malaria threat in Kwilu was reported in the village of Mukulubiala, in the Bulungu territory, last June. Around ten people died after experiencing fever, abdominal pain, and vomiting.

The minister announced that the situation is under control and that no new cases or deaths have been recorded following the deployment of treatment teams. A total of 72 cases have been recorded in the village, with 15 deaths, including 8 women and 7 men. Five water samples, 30 blood samples, and 28 stool samples were collected, stated Robert Dinsodi. New results are expected from the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB).

This new sample, despite the initial results concluding that malaria was poorly treated or not taken care of, given by this institution, is justified by the doubt that surrounded the quality of the first sample taken.

Jonathan Mesa

https://actualite.cd/index.php/2026...140-personnes-mortes-du-paludisme-en-six-mois