A mysterious flu-like disease that has killed over 143 people, mostly children and women, in the Democratic Republic of Congo has finally been identified. The disease, previously known as “Disease X,” was found to be a severe form of malaria with respiratory symptoms. Malnutrition weakened local immunity, making the population more vulnerable.
The Congolese government had raised an alert on October 29 after reporting at least 592 cases. Health officials initially struggled to diagnose the illness due to its remoteness and lack of samples for testing. The World Health Organization (WHO) later confirmed that 10 out of 12 patient samples tested positive for malaria.
A rapid intervention team was deployed to Kwango province, where the disease has been reported. Anti-malaria medicine from the WHO is being distributed at local health centers, and more supplies are expected to arrive soon. The rainy season in Congo will make treating the affected population more challenging.
The outbreak is not unique to Congo, as the country has faced numerous outbreaks in recent years, including typhoid, malaria, and anemia. An mpox outbreak with over 47,000 suspected cases and 1,000 deaths was also reported.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/congo-says-mysterious-disease-killing-104632710.html