Mystery Illness “Disease X” in Congo Identified as Severe Malaria
The mystery surrounding a deadly flu-like illness in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been solved. Health authorities have confirmed the disease circulating in the southwestern Kwango province since October is a severe form of malaria.
The outbreak, characterized by fever, cough, headaches, and body aches, has caused 143 deaths in the Panzi health zone in November, with a total of 592 reported cases and a fatality rate of 6.2%. Malnutrition in the region has further weakened the population, leaving many more vulnerable to severe illness.
Anti-malaria medicine, supplied by the World Health Organization (WHO), is being distributed in hospitals and health centers.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus acknowledged malaria as the primary cause but noted that other concurrent illnesses in some patients cannot yet be ruled out, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and intervention.
Source: CBC News
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