DR Congo Identifies Deadly Outbreak in Panzi as Severe Malaria, 143 Dead

Dec 17, 2024, 01:55 PM

The Democratic Republic of Congo's health ministry has identified a previously unknown disease causing deaths in the country as a severe form of malaria, manifesting as a respiratory illness and exacerbated by malnutrition among the affected population. The outbreak, particularly deadly in the Panzi health zone, has resulted in 143 deaths in November alone. The health ministry reported 592 cases since October, with a fatality rate of 6.2%. Efforts are underway to distribute anti-malaria medicine in the affected areas, with additional health kits expected to arrive to manage moderate and critical cases.