A mysterious illness known as “Disease X” has struck the remote Panzi health zone of Kwango Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), infecting over 400 people, including at least 31 children under five. Symptoms include fever, headache, and body aches.
Malaria is suspected to be the cause, but it’s unclear if other diseases are involved. The World Health Organization has tested 10 out of 12 samples positive for malaria, but further analysis is needed.
Accessing Panzi, a three-day journey from Kinshasa, poses significant logistical challenges due to poor road infrastructure. Limited connectivity and delayed sample collection have hindered diagnosis efforts.
A team led by virologist Placide Mbala has collected higher-quality samples, which are now being analyzed. The DRC’s ability to respond effectively to health emergencies in isolated areas is under scrutiny amid this outbreak.
Source: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/mysterious-disease-x-outbreak-might-be-malaria-what-we-know