A mysterious flu-like illness affecting hundreds of people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has turned out to be severe malaria potentially complicated by malnutrition and a viral infection, according to health officials. The World Health Organization (WHO) investigated alongside local authorities.
The illnesses began in October, with over 592 cases reported as of December 17, before the cause was announced. However, on December 19, a man in the affected region died from symptoms of hemorrhagic fever, hinting that malaria and malnutrition may not be the only culprits.
Currently, 37 deaths tied to the mystery illness have been confirmed in healthcare facilities, with an additional 44 deaths documented in communities under investigation. The Congo has a high incidence of malaria, which is spread by mosquitoes, but pinpointing the disease as a culprit is complicated due to its endemic nature and availability of diagnostic tests.
According to experts, diagnosing the disease requires ruling out other causes using clinical tests, however, there is no functional laboratory in the health zone or province to collect and analyze samples. The illnesses have been associated with coughs and runny noses, which may be linked to another disease such as influenza, while difficulty breathing and acute malnutrition are often observed.
Researchers note that the interaction between malnutrition and malaria is poorly understood, both exacerbating and suppressing symptoms. The region’s food insecurity worsened this year due to climate change, adding to the complexity of the situation.
To combat the illness, diagnostic tests and medications have been transported to the affected area, with a focus on helping patients with potentially diagnosed malaria cases. However, the case of hemorrhagic fever suggests an unidentified virus may also be involved.
Experts emphasize that it’s possible more than one disease is at play in this situation, highlighting the need for continued investigation and response efforts.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/health/viruses-infections-disease/mystery-disease-in-congo-turned-out-to-be-malaria-and-potentially-another-disease