DR Congo confirms Malaria as cause of mysterious illness that killed 52

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have confirmed that a mysterious illness responsible for over 50 deaths earlier this year was caused by malaria.

The National Public Health Institute announced on Monday that laboratory tests identified malaria as the cause of the outbreak, which claimed 52 lives and affected nearly 1,000 people in Equateur province.

Patients reportedly suffered from fever, fatigue, vomiting, and weight loss. Initially, health officials suspected malaria or food poisoning, but lab tests have now confirmed malaria. However, investigations are still ongoing as authorities analyze food, water, and drink samples to rule out other possible factors.

This outbreak follows a similar incident in December, when an unidentified illness was later confirmed to be malaria.