A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) has shed new light on the mystery disease affecting people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The illness, previously known as “disease X,” is now believed to be caused by a respiratory virus exacerbated by malaria and malnutrition. According to the WHO, 64 out of 89 samples from patients were positive for common respiratory viruses, with influenza A virus, rhinoviruses, and SARS-CoV-2 virus being the most common.
Malaria, which is common in DRC, also plays a significant role in the disease’s progression. The country experiences over 12% of global malaria cases and deaths, with children being disproportionately affected. The WHO report notes that 891 cases and 48 deaths have been reported so far, with the majority occurring among children under five.
Malnutrition is another critical factor contributing to the severity of the disease in children. Food insecurity has worsened in recent months, leaving over 4.5 million children under five at risk of acute malnutrition. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are also vulnerable, with three and a half million expected to experience severe malnutrition.
The WHO report concludes that the risk to the local community is high, while national, regional, and global risks remain low. However, more work needs to be done to increase surveillance and testing in the area. The evidence suggests that the disease is not caused by a novel pathogen, but rather by the increased burden of known pathogens on vulnerable populations.
Experts warn that the disease highlights the complex interplay between infectious diseases and malnutrition. As Dr. Dave Wessner, a professor at Davidson College, notes, further research is necessary to address this pressing issue.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/davewessner/2024/12/27/mystery-disease-in-congo-caused-by-acute-respiratory-infections-says-who