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Panzi, Congo — A man in western Congo has died from symptoms consistent with hemorrhagic fever, raising suspicions that a mystery virus may be contributing to a deadly outbreak in the region. The outbreak, which has already claimed at least 37 lives, was initially thought to be primarily caused by malaria. However, the recent death of the man exhibiting hemorrhagic fever symptoms could indicate the involvement of a viral infection alongside malaria.
The man died on Thursday in the remote Panzi area of Kwango province, where the outbreak has been ongoing. Health authorities, including Ngashi Ngongo of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suggest that the outbreak could be a combination of “severe malaria on a background of malnutrition” or a “viral infection occurring against the backdrop of malaria.”
The Panzi area, known for its endemic malaria and high levels of malnutrition, presents a complex environment for diagnosing the current outbreak. In total, 592 cases have been reported, with 37 deaths confirmed at local health facilities. This marks an increase of 65 cases and five deaths compared to the previous week. Health authorities are also investigating 44 additional deaths in local communities.
Out of 51 samples tested, 86% have been confirmed positive for malaria, while additional tests for other potential diseases are being conducted at national laboratories. Results from these tests are expected in the coming week.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has weighed in on the situation, with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus acknowledging that while malaria is prevalent in the Panzi area, it is possible that more than one disease is contributing to the outbreak. Most of the cases reported in the region have affected children under the age of 14, with common symptoms including fever, headache, cough, and anemia.
The remote location of Panzi, approximately 435 miles from the capital Kinshasa, has made it difficult for health officials to respond quickly. Experts from the WHO and Congo’s National Rapid Response Team arrived in the area last week, but it took them two days to reach the zone. Due to limited local testing capacity, samples had to be transported to Kikwit, more than 310 miles away.
This area has faced health challenges before, including a typhoid fever outbreak two years ago, and it is currently dealing with a seasonal flu resurgence. Moreover, low vaccination coverage in the region has left many children vulnerable to diseases like malaria.
As health authorities continue to investigate the cause of the outbreak, the potential for a new virus alongside malaria remains a growing concern in Congo’s Panzi health zone.
