Health officials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, along with WHO experts, are investigating a new cluster of illnesses and community deaths in Equateur province, reporting significant increases in cases since January 2025. The investigation is focused on recent outbreaks in Basankusu and Bolomba health zones, with a total of 1,096 sick individuals and 60 deaths reported. WHO is providing support and resources to aid in disease response and investigation.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is intensifying its investigation into a new cluster of illnesses and fatalities occurring in Equateur province. Health officials and experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) are examining the causes of the recent outbreaks that have led to increased illness and death reports across various regions. Disease surveillance efforts have already indicated similar spikes in health issues in recent months, necessitating urgent investigation and support.
Since January 2025, Equateur province has reported a troubling rise in illness and community deaths. The latest outbreak was noted in the Basankusu health zone, where 141 additional individuals fell ill last week, although no fatalities were recorded during this time. Earlier in February, this area saw 158 cases, leading to 58 deaths, while January disclosed 12 illnesses and eight deaths in the Bolamba health zone.
To date, the ongoing disease surveillance has tracked a total of 1,096 reported cases and 60 deaths, primarily characterized by a broad array of symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and diarrhea among others. The DRC is currently grappling with multiple health crises which exacerbate the strain on its healthcare services and vulnerable populations.
In response to the current situation, a national rapid response team, including WHO emergency experts, has been deployed to the affected health zones. These experts are enhancing disease surveillance, interviewing local residents for insights into the situation, and administering treatments for conditions like malaria and typhoid fever, which are prevalent in the region.
WHO has supplied emergency medical resources and established protocols to aid in disease investigation. Initial lab results have ruled out both Ebola and Marburg viruses, with approximately half of the tested samples returning positive for malaria. Further tests for meningitis are pending, alongside analyses of food, water, and environmental samples, which will be sent to Kinshasa for additional assessment.
Basankusu and Bolomba health zones are geographically isolated, situated approximately 180 kilometers apart and over 300 kilometers from the provincial capital, Mbandaka. This geographical remoteness hampers healthcare access, testing, and treatment. Moreover, inadequate road and communication infrastructure complicates the situation further.
WHO is supporting local health authorities by enhancing their investigative and response capabilities. Over 80 community health workers have been trained to identify and report cases, crucial for managing both the ongoing outbreak and future health incidents. WHO remains committed to facilitating a robust response, ensuring the provision of essential medical supplies, and working collaboratively with health agencies at all levels to contain the outbreak.
In summary, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is confronting a significant health crisis in Equateur province with rising illness and mortality rates. The WHO, alongside local authorities, is implementing extensive investigation and response measures, including increased disease surveillance and the provision of medical supplies. Continued efforts are vital to address the current outbreak and bolster future health security in the region.
Original Source: www.afro.who.int
