The World Health Organisation (WHO) on 27 December 2024 provided an update on the mysterious disease outbreak in the Panzi health zone, Kwango Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Initially reported as an undiagnosed illness on November 29, the outbreak is now identified as a combination of acute respiratory infections and falciparum malaria, compounded by severe malnutrition.
Since the alert, 891 cases and 48 deaths, predominantly among children under five, have been reported across 25 of Panzi’s 30 health areas. Enhanced surveillance has revealed a mix of symptoms including fever, cough, and body weakness, with many cases linked to common respiratory viruses (e.g., Influenza A, SARS-CoV-2) and malaria.
Preliminary findings
Laboratory tests on 430 samples indicate:
- 62% tested positive for malaria.
- 64 samples showed infections with respiratory viruses like Influenza A, rhinoviruses, and SARS-CoV-2.
Severe malnutrition, affecting nearly half the children under five in the area, has exacerbated the impact of these diseases.
Response efforts
Authorities, with support from WHO, Africa CDC, and UNICEF, have intensified their response:
- Surveillance: Active case searching and enhanced data collection continue in affected areas.
- Case management: Health workers are receiving training, and essential supplies, including oxygen concentrators, are being delivered to facilities.
- Laboratory testing: Further virological and bacterial analysis is underway to refine understanding of the outbreak.
- Risk Communication: Public awareness campaigns are being conducted to encourage early care-seeking and preventive behaviors.
Challenges and broader implications
Kwango Province faces a crisis of food insecurity and malnutrition, classified as IPC Phase 3 (Serious) and projected to worsen. Malnutrition weakens immunity, increasing vulnerability to infections and worsening disease outcomes. Limited healthcare access, shortages of medical supplies, and poor infrastructure compound the crisis.
The outbreak highlights the urgent need to:
- Strengthen healthcare systems and access to treatment.
- Address food insecurity and malnutrition.
- Improve surveillance and response capacities in remote, vulnerable regions.
While risks remain localized to Panzi, the event underscores the critical intersection of health, nutrition, and poverty in driving preventable deaths. Continued international support is vital to mitigate the crisis and prevent similar outbreaks elsewhere in the country.
Read full WHO report here: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2024-DON547