A mysterious outbreak in western Congo has taken a deadly turn with the recent death of a man suffering from hemorrhagic fever, complicating efforts to determine the cause of the illness. At least 37 people have died and dozens more are infected, with most cases being children under 14.
Malaria was initially suspected as the primary cause, but the presence of hemorrhagic fever symptoms suggests that another virus may be at play. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that over four out of five patients have tested positive for malaria, while tests for other diseases are underway.
The remote Panzi area, where the outbreak is centered, faces challenges due to limited local testing capacity and low vaccination coverage. This makes it difficult for health experts to diagnose and treat the disease effectively. The WHO has expressed concerns about the possibility of multiple diseases being involved in the outbreak, citing a resurgence of seasonal flu and an epidemic of typhoid fever in the area two years ago.
As the situation continues to unfold, officials are working to identify the root cause of the outbreak and develop effective strategies for containment and treatment. The ongoing investigation into the mysterious illness has raised concerns about the potential for more severe cases and further complications in the region.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/congo-x-mpox-malaria-mysterious-disease-epidemic-5c4becf250cd8ce000f3ce349b3ca4c8