GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY

Malaria Suspected in Deadly Congo Outbreak as Laboratory Tests Show Positive Results

- Initial laboratory tests suggest malaria as the likely cause of the mysterious illness that has killed 75 people and sickened 416 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with nine out of twelve samples testing positive. - Children under 14 years are disproportionately affected by the outbreak in Congo's western Kwango province, consistent with malaria's known impact on pediatric populations. - Geographic isolation has complicated response efforts, with the outbreak occurring 435 miles from the capital and the nearest testing facility located over 300 miles away.