Testing has confirmed that a deadly illness which killed more than 50 people in northwest Democratic Republic of Congo was malaria, according to the country’s National Public Health Institute (INSP).
The outbreak, which began in Equateur province at the start of the year, affected at least 943 people, with symptoms such as fever, fatigue, vomiting, and weight loss. While initially suspected to be malaria or food poisoning, lab tests have now confirmed malaria as the cause.
Health officials are still awaiting results from tests on water, drinks, and food samples to rule out poisoning. This follows a similar malaria outbreak in December 2024.
