Malaria Confirmed as Cause of Mysterious Illness in Congo

The National Public Health Institute of the Democratic Republic of Congo has identified malaria as the cause behind a mysterious illness that claimed over 50 lives in northwestern Congo. After extensive testing, authorities determined the disease's symptoms matched malaria, ending speculation of other causes like food poisoning.

The National Public Health Institute of the Democratic Republic of Congo has officially confirmed that malaria was responsible for a previously unidentified illness that resulted in the death of more than 50 individuals in the northwest region of the country.

The outbreak, which began earlier this year, saw at least 943 people in Equateur province experiencing symptoms such as fever, fatigue, vomiting, and weight loss. Initially, health officials suspected the cause could be malaria or food poisoning.

After lab testing on various samples, INSP professor Christian Ngandu announced that the illness was indeed malaria. Further testing on food and water samples sent abroad is still underway to rule out intoxication as a cause.

(With inputs from agencies.)