DRC probes cluster of illness and deaths in Equateur province

Kinshasa: Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, together with specialists from the World Health Organization (WHO), are intensifying their efforts to investigate the origins of a new wave of illnesses and community deaths occurring in Equateur province.

Over the last few months, health surveillance has detected spikes in both illnesses and deaths three times in different areas of the country, prompting further investigations to determine the underlying causes and offer necessary assistance.

Since the onset of 2025, Equateur province has been impacted by a concerning wave of illnesses and community fatalities. The most recent outbreak was identified in the Basankusu health zone, where 141 new cases of illness were reported last week, with no associated deaths. Earlier in February, this health zone had recorded 158 cases and 58 deaths. Additionally, in January, the Bolamba health zone documented 12 cases of illness, which included 8 deaths.

Initial laboratory results have ruled out Ebola and Marburg virus diseases. Interestingly, around half of the samples tested positive for malaria, which is quite common in this region. Plans are in place to conduct further tests for meningitis, and food, water, and environmental samples will also be scrutinized for possible contamination. All samples will be sent to the national reference laboratory in Kinshasa for more detailed testing. Earlier samples were deemed non-viable, prompting a re-testing effort.

WHO said it has delivered emergency medical supplies, including testing kits, and developed detailed protocols to enhance disease investigation.

Increased disease surveillance has revealed a total of 1,096 individuals suffering from illness and 60 fatalities in the regions of Basankusu and Bolomba. These cases align with a broad set of symptoms that encompass fever, headaches, chills, excessive sweating, a stiff neck, muscle pain, joint discomfort, body aches, as well as respiratory issues like a runny or bleeding nose, coughing, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

In reaction to the recent surge in illness cases, a national rapid response team from Kinshasa and Equateur, along with WHO health emergency professionals, has been deployed to the health zones of Basankusu and Bolomba. They are tasked with examining the situation to uncover any unusual trends. The team is ramping up disease surveillance, interviewing community members for context, and providing care for diseases like malaria, typhoid fever, and meningitis.

Basankusu and Bolomba are about 180 kilometres apart and more than 300 kilometres from the provincial capital Mbandaka. The two localities are reachable by road or via the Congo River from Mbandaka. This remoteness limits access to health care, including testing and treatment. Poor road and telecommunication infrastructure are also major challenges.

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced its commitment to assist local health authorities in enhancing their investigation and response strategies. Over 80 community health workers have been trained to identify and report cases and fatalities effectively. WHO emphasized the necessity for additional efforts to improve testing, early detection, and reporting, not only for the current situation but also for future emergencies. They are actively present on the ground, working alongside zonal, provincial, and national health authorities to deliver essential medical supplies and coordinate efforts to control the spread of the illness and other outbreaks in the region.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is grappling with multiple simultaneous crises and outbreaks, which are placing additional pressure on both the healthcare system and its citizens.

– global bihari bureau