Democratic Republic of the Congo Increases Investigation into Health Crises in Equateur Province

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has intensified investigations into a cluster of illnesses and fatalities in Equateur province, with a reported 1,096 cases and 60 deaths identified through surveillance. Recent outbreaks in the Basankusu and Bolomba health zones have raised concern, prompting a national rapid response team to investigate potential links to infectious diseases. WHO is actively involved, providing medical supplies and support to local health authorities during this crisis.

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in collaboration with experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), are intensifying their investigations regarding a recent cluster of illnesses and community fatalities in Equateur province. Over the past months, disease surveillance has indicated successive increases in illnesses and deaths across several regions, prompting necessary follow-up inquiries to ascertain the underlying cause and deliver appropriate assistance.

Since the onset of 2025, Equateur province has experienced a series of health crises, with the most recent outbreak reported in the Basankusu health zone, where 141 individuals fell ill, although no deaths occurred this time. Previous data from the same zone noted 158 cases with 58 fatalities reported in February and 12 illnesses, including 8 deaths, documented in January from the Bolamba health zone.

Collectively, disease surveillance has revealed that 1,096 individuals have fallen ill, resulting in 60 deaths in Basankusu and Bolomba. Symptoms include fever, headaches, chills, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal complications, which are common in various infectious diseases. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing numerous challenges across its health sector, amplifying the urgency of these investigations.

In response to this alarming situation, a national rapid response team composed of WHO health emergency experts has been dispatched to both the Basankusu and Bolomba health zones to conduct thorough investigations and identify any atypical disease patterns. Enhanced disease surveillance and community interviews are ongoing, alongside treatment provisions for ailments such as malaria and typhoid fever.

WHO has supplied essential medical resources, including testing kits, while also establishing protocols to improve investigative measures. Initial laboratory findings have ruled out Ebola and Marburg viruses, with a significant number of samples testing positive for malaria, a common regional infection. Further analyses for meningitis and environmental conditions are currently underway, with collaborations established for logistical support.

The geographical distance between Basankusu and Bolomba, which are located 180 kilometers apart and over 300 kilometers from the provincial capital of Mbandaka, complicates access to healthcare resources. Poor roadways and limited telecommunications further impede efforts to address this health crisis effectively.

In collaboration with local health authorities, WHO has trained over 80 community health workers to enhance detection capabilities and reporting processes for cases and fatalities. There’s a pressing need for improved testing and early detection measures not just for the ongoing crisis but for future health incidents as well. WHO remains committed to supporting health professionals and coordinating response measures to mitigate the spread of illnesses in the region.

In summary, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s health authorities and WHO are actively investigating a series of illnesses and deaths in Equateur province. With considerable increases in reported cases, responsive measures are underway to ascertain the cause and provide adequate medical support. The continued collaboration aims to enhance future readiness and disease management amidst the ongoing health challenges.

Original Source: www.afro.who.int