Investigation Intensifies on Cluster of Illnesses and Deaths in DRC’s Equateur Province

The DRC and WHO are investigating increased illness and deaths in Equateur province, particularly in Basankusu and Bolomba. Surveillance detected over 1,096 cases with symptoms such as fever and muscle aches. Emergency responses, including health worker training and laboratory testing, are underway to support affected communities and prevent further outbreaks.

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are deepening investigations into a cluster of illnesses and community deaths in Equateur province. This follows recent disease surveillance in multiple areas, which revealed three distinct incidents of increased illnesses and fatalities prompting further inquiry to identify causes and support those affected.

Since early 2025, the Equateur province has experienced a surge in illness and mortality. The Basankusu health zone reported 141 new cases last week with no fatalities, while earlier in February, 158 cases and 58 deaths had been documented in the same area. In January, the Bolamba health zone also recorded 12 illnesses, including 8 deaths.

In total, disease surveillance has identified 1,096 sick people and 60 deaths across Basankusu and Bolomba, with symptoms such as fever, headaches, chills, muscle pain, and gastrointestinal issues. The DRC is grappling with multiple concurrent health crises, which further strains the healthcare system and impacts the local population.

In response to these recent events, a national rapid response team consisting of WHO health experts was deployed to assess the situation in Basankusu and Bolomba. Their objectives include enhancing disease surveillance, interviewing community members, and treating common conditions like malaria and typhoid fever.

WHO has dispatched emergency medical supplies, including testing kits, and established protocols to aid investigations. Initial tests for Ebola and Marburg viruses returned negative, though many samples indicated malaria, common in the region. Further testing will include meningitis and environmental samples to explore potential contaminants.

The two areas affected are relatively isolated, being over 300 kilometers from Mbandaka, the provincial capital. Access to healthcare is limited due to poor infrastructure and communication systems. To combat these challenges, WHO is collaborating with local authorities and has trained over 80 community health workers to detect and report illnesses.

Moreover, ongoing efforts are imperative to enhance testing, early detection, and reporting mechanisms not only for the present situation but for future outbreaks. WHO continues to support local health workers and coordinate logistics to provide vital medical supplies while working alongside national health authorities to mitigate the spread of diseases in the region.

Ongoing investigations into clusters of illness and deaths in Equateur province reflect a critical response from health authorities and WHO. The substantial increase in reported cases and the deployment of emergency resources aim to address both current and future health threats in the region. Enhanced surveillance and community engagement are essential for improving outcomes and preparedness against further outbreaks.

Original Source: www.afro.who.int