The World Health Organisation (WHO) believes malaria or Covid-19 may be linked to an unknown disease in Panzi in the southwest of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
A total of 406 cases and 31 deaths have been reported so far. The disease causes fevers, headaches, breathing difficulties and anaemia. It primarily affects children under five suffering from severe malnutrition.
On Sunday, the WHO stated that symptoms suggest "acute pneumonia, influenza, Covid-19, measles and malaria as possible causes." Malnutrition is noted as an aggravating factor.
Malaria is endemic in the region and can cause or contribute to severe cases. The WHO added that several different illnesses may be at play in the current cluster of infections. Laboratory analyses are underway to determine the exact cause of the illness.
Isolated region
Congolese Health Minister Roger Kamba stated that authorities are on high alert. The region is very isolated.
"Panzi is a rural community located more than 700 km from the capital Kinshasa," the WHO stated. "Access by road is difficult and the communication network is limited."
The organisation has deployed teams alongside the government to investigate the situation.
