Mysterious Congo Outbreak May Involve Unknown Virus

Suspected virus alongside malaria drives Congo's rising death toll
By Newser.AI Read our AI policy
Posted Dec 20, 2024 12:15 AM CST
Mysterious Congo Outbreak May Involve Unknown Virus
A view of the Panzi general Hospital, in southwestern Congo, Thursday, Nov 5, 2024.   (AP Photo/Lucien Lufutu, File)

A mysterious disease outbreak in Panzi, a remote area of western Congo, has led to 37 confirmed deaths, with authorities suspecting both malaria and a viral infection. While malaria has been identified in over 80% of cases, the recent death of a man showing symptoms of hemorrhagic fever suggests another virus may also be present. Ngashi Ngongo of the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention mentioned a growing theory that the outbreak could be either "severe malaria on a background of malnutrition" or "a viral infection that is happening on the background of malaria."

The area, experiencing high malaria transmission as well as malnutrition, has reported a total of 592 cases, an increase of 65 cases from last week. Notably, most victims are children under 14. Efforts to diagnose the outbreak are hampered by challenges such as limited local testing facilities, requiring samples to be sent over 310 miles to Kikwit. International and local health teams, including specialists from the World Health Organization, are on the ground investigating and conducting tests, with results expected soon.

Further complicating the situation, Panzi is also grappling with a resurgence of seasonal flu and has a history of a typhoid epidemic two years ago. The region's low vaccination rates amplify the susceptibility of children to numerous diseases, including malaria. WHO's head, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized ongoing efforts to determine if multiple diseases are causing the current outbreak, highlighting the critical need for additional testing and resources. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)

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