What's happened
A severe malaria outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in at least 143 deaths and 592 reported cases since October. The health ministry attributes the outbreak to malnutrition and poor healthcare access, complicating the situation. The World Health Organization is investigating the outbreak, which primarily affects children under 14.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, the DRC's health ministry confirmed that the previously unidentified disease is a severe form of malaria, stating, "The mystery has finally been solved. It’s a case of severe malaria in the form of a respiratory illness." Meanwhile, AP News reported that the outbreak has killed at least 37 people, with over 80% of patients testing positive for malaria, indicating a complex interplay of diseases. The South China Morning Post noted that malnutrition complicates the diagnosis, leading to a working hypothesis of either severe malaria or a viral infection exacerbated by malaria. The World Health Organization has emphasized the need for further testing to clarify the situation, with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stating, "It is possible that more than one disease is involved."
How we got here
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been grappling with high rates of malaria, compounded by malnutrition and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Recent reports indicated a mysterious illness affecting the population, which has now been identified as severe malaria, exacerbated by underlying health issues.
Common question
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What is the Current Situation of Measles and Malaria Outbreaks in Africa?
Recent health crises in Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, have raised significant concerns. With severe malaria outbreaks and the end of a Marburg virus outbreak, many are left wondering about the implications for public health. This page addresses common questions regarding these outbreaks and the ongoing health challenges faced by affected regions.
More on these topics
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The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The WHO Constitution, which establishes the agency's governing structure and principles, states its main objective as "the attainment
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The Democratic Republic of the Congo, also known as Congo-Kinshasa, Zaire, DR Congo, DRC, the DROC, or simply the Congo, is a country located in Central Africa. It was formerly called Zaire.
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Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is an Ethiopian biologist, public health researcher, and official who has been Director-General of the World Health Organization since 2017. Tedros is the first African in the role, and was endorsed by the African Union. He play