WHO links mysterious 'Disease X' in DRC to malaria after tests

The World Health Organization (WHO) is investigating an outbreak of a mysterious illness in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with preliminary findings suggesting malaria and other known pathogens as possible causes. "Of 12 initial samples collected from patients, 10 tested positive for malaria, although it’s possible that more than one disease is involved," WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, reported CNN.

The outbreak, referred to locally as "Disease X," has affected at least 416 people and resulted in 31 deaths, according to Il Messaggero. The Guardian reported that the Congolese government has stated 79 people have died since October 24, with deaths recorded between November 10 and 25 in the Panzi health zone of Kwango Province. Most of the affected individuals are children under the age of 14, raising alarms due to the high mortality rate among malnourished children.

Patients are exhibiting symptoms such as headache, cough, fever, breathing difficulties, body aches, and anemia, which are similar to those of the flu, according to Tagesschau. In severe cases, significant exhaustion is observed, as reported by Gazeta.ru.

The remoteness of the region makes all operations difficult, said WHO Emergency Director Mike Ryan, according to Die Zeit. From the capital Kinshasa, it takes more than two days to reach the area due to poor roads and weather conditions. The Guardian noted that there is little testing capacity in the affected area.

An initial team of experts was deployed to the region on November 30, and a larger WHO team joined them on Tuesday to investigate the unidentified illness, CNN reported. The WHO is conducting further research and testing more infected individuals to determine the exact cause of the disease. Samples have been transported to a regional laboratory in Kikwit, 300 miles away, as well as to the national reference laboratory in Kinshasa, more than 400 miles away, according to The Guardian.

Malnutrition in the area is a significant contributing factor, making infections life-threatening for many. The Guardian noted that the affected area has experienced deterioration in food insecurity in recent months and has low vaccination coverage. WHO stated there is a shortage of health staff, supplies, and transportation in the area.

WHO specialist Abdi Rahman Mahamad clarified that there has not been an exponential increase in cases of the illness. "The number of disease cases is approximately within the expected range for the season," he stated. He also indicated that this type of event can cause a serious impact on vulnerable communities, according to El Universo.

The WHO is investigating the relationship of the mysterious disease with influenza, COVID-19, malaria, measles, and other diseases. Samples from sick individuals have been sent for laboratory tests to identify the unknown respiratory pathogen, with results expected in the coming days, as reported by Die Presse. "In any case, further samples will be collected and analyzed to determine the exact cause or causes," Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized, according to Il Messaggero.

Dieudonné Mwamba, the head of the DRC's National Institute for Public Health, said the symptoms pointed to a respiratory illness, The Guardian reported.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is also dealing with an mpox outbreak and seasonal flu, as reported by The Guardian. The lack of testing capacity in the affected area has hindered the identification of the disease. The shortage of health staff, supplies, and transportation has further complicated the response.

Malaria remains a persistent global threat, with the WHO registering 263 million new cases in 2023, an increase of eleven million compared to the previous year, as reported by La Razón. "Despite progress, malaria remains a persistent global threat that undermines the health of millions of people worldwide," stated Arnaud Le Menach, head of the Strategic Information Unit for Response, Global Malaria Programme at WHO.

This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq