Children at Risk: Malaria Crisis Intensifies in DRC’s Kwango Province

Healthcare workers in protective gear in quarantine room.

A severe malaria outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kwango province has claimed 143 lives, primarily affecting children under five.

At a Glance

Nearly 600 people, mostly children, affected by severe malaria outbreak in DRC’s Kwango province
143 deaths reported, with a 6.2% fatality rate since October
Outbreak initially mistaken for “Disease X” due to respiratory symptoms
High malnutrition levels in the region complicating the health crisis
World Health Organization and local authorities working to contain the outbreak

Malaria Outbreak Identified in Kwango Province

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing a severe health crisis as a malaria outbreak sweeps through the southwestern Kwango province. Initially mistaken for a mysterious “Disease X,” the outbreak has affected nearly 600 people, with children under five bearing the brunt of the impact. The DRC health ministry reported 592 cases since October, with a alarming 6.2% fatality rate.

The outbreak, centered in the Panzi health zone, has raised concerns due to its unusual presentation, featuring respiratory symptoms alongside typical malaria indicators. This led to initial confusion and speculation about a potentially new disease.

Test results confirming the characteristics of a mysterious infection that has affected 376 people and claimed 79 lives in the #DRC, are expected on Friday or Saturday, says @AfricaCDC Director General Dr @JeanKaseya2. The #disease is particularly severe in children, with… pic.twitter.com/r98Dc1R91F

— Africa CDC (@AfricaCDC) December 5, 2024

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Affected individuals have experienced a range of symptoms including fever, headache, cough, runny nose, fatigue, and body aches. Severe cases have been linked to malnutrition, which is prevalent in the region. The World Health Organization (WHO) initially considered several potential causes, including pneumonia, influenza, COVID-19, and measles, due to the respiratory symptoms present.

“The mystery has finally been solved. It’s a case of severe malaria in the form of a respiratory illness.” – DRC’s health ministry

Testing revealed that 10 out of 12 samples from affected individuals tested positive for malaria, confirming the diagnosis. This finding has alleviated fears of a novel respiratory viral disease, as malaria is transmitted through mosquito bites rather than through the air, limiting its potential for rapid spread.

Impact on Children and Contributing Factors

The outbreak has disproportionately affected children, with 64% of cases occurring in infants and toddlers under five years old. The higher death rate in this outbreak may be attributed to the region’s high levels of malnutrition, with an estimated 40% of the local population being malnourished.

“weakened by malnutrition” – Tedros Ghebreyesus

The region’s low vaccination coverage further increases vulnerability to other diseases like measles, compounding the health challenges faced by the population. The lack of adequate healthcare facilities in the Panzi health zone has also contributed to the severity of the outbreak.

Response Efforts and Ongoing Challenges

The World Health Organization has dispatched rapid response teams to assist with treatment, testing, and investigation of the outbreak. These efforts are crucial in a country where malaria is endemic, with over 30.5 million cases and nearly 79,000 deaths reported in 2021 alone.

“Lab testing is ongoing” – a WHO spokesperson

Despite the identification of malaria as the cause, challenges remain in managing the outbreak. The remote location of the affected area, combined with the ongoing rainy season, has delayed the transportation of samples to Kinshasa for further analysis. These factors underscore the ongoing difficulties in providing timely and effective healthcare in remote regions of the DRC.