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Severe Malaria Emergency in Panzi, Democratic Republic of Congo

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Severe Malaria Emergency in Panzi, Democratic Republic of Congo

An outbreak of severe malaria with respiratory symptoms hits Panzi, Kwango province, DRC. Health authorities and WHO investigate

An outbreak of “severe malaria” with febrile and respiratory symptoms has been reported in Kwango province in southwestern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to the DRC Ministry of Health, reported by Agence congolaise de presse, since the outbreak began on Oct. 24, 592 cases have been recorded with a 6.2 percent mortality rate. Malnutrition in the region has aggravated the situation, making the population more vulnerable.

The Mystery Virus Connection

The World Health Organization (WHO) found a connection between malaria and a mystery virus in 10 of 12 samples taken from affected patients. More than 80 percent of the patients showed positive results for the mosquito-borne malaria infection. A WHO team has been dispatched to the site to further investigate the origin of the virus and possible links to malaria.

Ongoing Investigation and International Attention

Tests to identify the exact cause of the disease are still ongoing, with several hypotheses under consideration. The WHO has assured that it will share more information as it becomes available. Meanwhile, Italy has increased the level of alert, despite the absence of direct flights from the DRC. The Offices of Maritime, Air and Border Health of the Italian Ministry of Health (Usmaf) have been alerted to closely monitor the situation.

Italian Preventive Measures

Maria Rosaria Campitiello, head of the Italian Ministry of Health’s Prevention Department, said surveillance is active and the situation is being monitored carefully but without alarmism. The ministry has asked the Usmaf peripheral offices to pay close attention in monitoring activities to prevent the spread of the virus.

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