The National Public Health Institute (INSP) of the Democratic Republic of Congo has confirmed that an illness that killed more than 50 people in Equateur province earlier this year was malaria. The outbreak, which struck at the start of 2025, left at least 943 individuals sickened, with 52 fatalities reported as of the latest updates. The disease presented a range of symptoms, including fever, fatigue, vomiting, and significant weight loss, which initially raised concerns among health officials.
At the time of the outbreak, there was widespread uncertainty about the disease’s origins. Health experts in the region initially speculated that the illness could either be caused by malaria or food poisoning, due to the similar symptoms and the local context of frequent environmental challenges such as water contamination and foodborne illnesses. In response to these concerns, health authorities launched extensive tests to determine the cause of the epidemic.
Christian Ngandu, the INSP coordinator, confirmed in a telephone interview that laboratory tests on the blood samples from affected individuals have now conclusively identified malaria as the cause of the outbreak. The tests conducted were thorough and confirmed that the disease was transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, a common vector for malaria in the region.
Despite this confirmation, health officials are continuing their investigations into other potential contributing factors. Ngandu stated that additional samples of water, food, and beverages from the affected areas were sent abroad for testing, to explore the possibility of contamination or foodborne illness being involved in exacerbating the situation. These tests are expected to provide further insights into the scope of the outbreak and the broader health risks in the region.
This outbreak follows a similar health crisis in December 2024, where an unidentified illness was initially suspected to be something other than malaria but was ultimately confirmed to be the same disease. The recurrence of malaria outbreaks, while concerning, underscores the persistent challenges that the DRC faces in managing infectious diseases, particularly in remote provinces where access to healthcare and preventative measures is often limited.
Malaria continues to be a major public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa, with the DRC among the countries hardest hit by the disease. Efforts to combat malaria in the country are ongoing, with international organizations and the government working to improve access to treatment, distribute mosquito nets, and increase public awareness about prevention.
In the face of these recurring outbreaks, the DRC’s health authorities are working tirelessly to prevent further spread and to manage the impact on local communities. The INSP has issued guidelines to local health workers on recognizing and treating malaria cases promptly, and additional resources are being allocated to help prevent future epidemics in the region.
