WHO: Common respiratory viruses seen in samples from isolated outbreak in DR Congo

Latest laboratory findings on samples taken during an investigation into a febrile illness outbreak in a remote district of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reveal common respiratory viruses and falciparum malaria, the World Organization said of Health (WHO) during an epidemic on December 27. update.

A total of 430 samples were collected from patients suspected of infection in Panzi Health Zone, and initial rapid tests and fever tests were positive for malaria in 62% and 65% of samples, respectively. Of 89 other samples tested at INRB Kinshasa, 64 were positive for common respiratory viruses, including 2009 H1N1 seasonal influenza, rhinoviruses, SARS-CoV-2, human coronaviruses, parainfluenza virus and adenovirus. Other laboratory tests are still underway, including virological and bacterial analyses.

The WHO now classifies the epidemic as acute respiratory infections complicated by malaria. Authorities said acute malnutrition was leading to an increase in serious illness and deaths.

Cases increase, but deaths remain stable

During the investigation, responders cast a wide net to identify potentially linked cases, resulting in a rapid increase in the number of cases meeting the case definition. As of December 16, 891 cases had been reported, including 48 deaths. However, deaths have remained relatively stable.

Cases have remained stable except for the week ending December 15, which the WHO says may be due in part to increased disease transmission during the rainy season, but reflects likely an increase in surveillance and case detection. “Notably, the increase in cases is not accompanied by a comparable increase in deaths,” the update said.

WHO has assessed the risk to the affected community as high, necessitating efforts to reduce deaths from infections, reduce malnutrition and improve malaria control. The risk to the DRC, the region and the rest of the world is low due to the localized nature of the outbreak.