Connect with us

Published

1 anno ago

on

A combination of viral infections and malaria is hitting children under 5 hard

The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing an epidemic that, as of Dec. 16, had 891 reported cases and 48 deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO), after conducting tests on 430 samples, found the presence of malaria and common respiratory viruses such as influenza A/H1N1, rhinovirus, Sars-CoV-2, and other human coronaviruses. WHO hypothesizes that the disease is caused by a combination of these respiratory infections and falciparum malaria, exacerbated by acute malnutrition, which has led to an increase in severe infections and deaths, particularly among children under age 5.

The epidemic continues to grow

Since the previous update on December 8, WHO has reported 485 new suspected cases and 17 additional deaths. The organization confirms that the weekly death toll remains stable, but the public health risk is still high in affected communities.

The context of common infectious diseases

WHO emphasizes how this epidemic highlights the enormous burden of common infectious diseases, such as acute respiratory infections and malaria, especially in contexts of malnutrition and food insecurity. Limited access to health care and worsening food insecurity are critical factors for vulnerable populations.

Risk high for local communities, but low globally

Although the risk remains high for local communities, WHO estimates that, at the national level, the risk is still low due to the location of the event. However, the organization warns that other areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo are seeing an increase in malnutrition, and what has been observed in Panzi could spread to other regions.

THE LATEST NEWS

US-Taiwan trade agreement: tariff cuts and Beijing’s anger

16 Gennaio 2026
Washington and Taipei sign a deal on tariffs and semiconductors, triggering a strong reaction from China The US Department of...
Read More
US-Taiwan trade agreement: tariff cuts and Beijing’s anger

Trump and the Nobel Peace Prize, the medal presented by María Corina Machado

16 Gennaio 2026
The Venezuelan opposition leader symbolically presented Donald Trump with the Nobel Peace Prize medal. The gesture divides opinion and sparks...
Read More
Trump and the Nobel Peace Prize, the medal presented by María Corina Machado

Americans oppose US takeover of Greenland, CNN poll shows

15 Gennaio 2026
A new survey finds broad public resistance to President Donald Trump’s expansionist agenda, with strong opposition across party lines to...
Read More
Americans oppose US takeover of Greenland, CNN poll shows

Netanyahu asks Trump to delay US attack on Iran

15 Gennaio 2026
According to U.S. officials, the Israeli prime minister urged Washington to postpone military action as diplomatic efforts reduce tensions Netanyahu...
Read More
Netanyahu asks Trump to delay US attack on Iran

U.S. Treasury Imposes New Sanctions on Iran for Protest Crackdown

15 Gennaio 2026
The Treasury Department targets key Iranian leaders amid ongoing demonstrations for fundamental freedoms and economic security U.S. Treasury Imposes New...
Read More
U.S. Treasury Imposes New Sanctions on Iran for Protest Crackdown

US oil strategy against China links Venezuela and Iran crises

14 Gennaio 2026
Energy geopolitics drive Washington’s moves as Trump reshapes global power balances The US oil strategy against China is increasingly shaping...
Read More
US oil strategy against China links Venezuela and Iran crises
Related Topics:

Di Tendenza/Trending