11 Dec 2024 | 10:02 AM UTC
DRC: Unidentified illness reported in Panzi health zone in early December; malaria detected in samples, though multiple diseases may be involved /update 1
Unidentified illness reported in Panzi, Kwango, DRC, early December; malaria confirmed, other diseases suspected. Avoid mosquito bites.
Public health authorities in the DRC are investigating an unknown disease reported in the Kwango Province's Panzi health zone. Ten of the twelve initial samples collected tested positive for malaria, although more than one disease may be involved. Further samples will be collected and tested to determine this outbreak's exact cause or causes. A provincial rapid response team was deployed on Nov. 30, which is now being supported by a national team of experts, which arrived on Nov. 10. Since Oct. 24, 2024, the disease/s has affected at least 416 individuals, including 31 deaths. Cases have been reported from nine out of 30 health areas in the Panzi health zone: Kahumbulu, Kambandambi, Kanzangi, Kasanji, Kiama, Mbanza Kipungu, Makitapanzi, Mwini ngulu, and Tsakala Panzi. Patients are displaying symptoms similar to the flu. Health authorities urge the public to take prevention measures, such as avoiding mass gatherings, reporting suspected cases to local health authorities, and observing basic hygiene measures. This report represents the most up-to-date information available as of Dec. 11.
Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). Avoid mass gatherings and report suspected cases or unusual deaths to local health authorities.
See a medical provider to discuss the need for anti-malarial medication before traveling to malaria-endemic countries or regions. Avoid mosquito bites and remove standing water to reduce the number of biting mosquitoes. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop within a month of being in affected areas; however, be sure to inform a healthcare provider of any travel to affected areas during the past 12 months.
Malaria is endemic in the affected area, and the rainy season has increased respiratory diseases within expected levels. Panzi's health zone faces many challenges; the affected area is remote, telecommunications are severely limited, and access has been made harder by the rainy season, with it taking several days for the national response team to reach Panzi. The area also suffers from high levels of malnutrition and low vaccination coverage, leaving children vulnerable to a range of diseases, including malaria, pneumonia, and measles. While malaria has been identified in some samples, health officials suggest that more than one disease may be involved. Symptoms reported in patients include fever, headaches, runny nose and cough, difficulty breathing, and anemia. Women and children are the most seriously affected by the disease, with the majority of deaths reported in children over 15 years old.
Malaria is a disease caused by parasites transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. In rare occasions, malaria transmission is also possible through blood transfusion, organ transplantation, or the sharing of needles or syringes contaminated with infected blood. It can also be transmitted from mother to child before or during delivery. Symptoms typically appear 10-15 days after being bitten; however, there are reports of symptoms beginning as late as one year. Symptoms of malaria most commonly include fever, chills, headaches and body aches, nausea and vomiting, and general malaise. Some types of malaria can progress to severe illness.
