A severe malaria outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kwango province has been identified as the cause of a mysterious illness previously labeled “Disease X,” primarily affecting children and straining local healthcare systems.
At a Glance
- Severe malaria outbreak in DRC’s Kwango province, initially labeled “Disease X”
- Nearly 600 cases reported, with 143 fatalities, mostly affecting children under 14
- Symptoms mimic respiratory diseases, causing confusion with other illnesses
- High malnutrition rates and inadequate healthcare infrastructure exacerbate the situation
- WHO and local authorities working to manage the outbreak and improve healthcare access
Malaria Outbreak Identified as Cause of Mystery Illness
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been grappling with a severe health crisis in its Kwango province, where a mysterious illness has affected hundreds of people, primarily children. After weeks of uncertainty, local authorities have confirmed that the outbreak is caused by a severe form of malaria. The DRC’s health ministry announced,
“The mystery has finally been solved. It’s a case of severe malaria in the form of a respiratory illness.” – Source
This revelation comes after extensive testing, which revealed that 10 out of 12 samples from affected individuals tested positive for malaria. The outbreak, which began in October, has affected nearly 600 people and resulted in 143 deaths, with a concerning 6.2% fatality rate.
Children and Malnourished Population at Highest Risk
The outbreak has disproportionately affected children, with 64% of cases occurring in infants and toddlers under five years old. The high death rate is attributed to the region’s widespread malnutrition, with approximately 40% of the local population being malnourished. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus noted that many of the affected individuals were “weakened by malnutrition,” making them more susceptible to severe complications from malaria.
Test results confirming the characteristics of a mysterious infection that has affected 376 people and claimed 79 lives in the #DRC, are expected on Friday or Saturday, says @AfricaCDC Director General Dr @JeanKaseya2. The #disease is particularly severe in children, with… pic.twitter.com/r98Dc1R91F
— Africa CDC (@AfricaCDC) December 5, 2024
Challenges in Diagnosis and Healthcare Infrastructure
The outbreak’s initial classification as “Disease X” stemmed from the unusual presentation of symptoms, which closely mimicked respiratory diseases. Patients experienced fever, headache, cough, runny nose, fatigue, and body aches, with severe cases also presenting with “difficulty breathing,” according to the World Health Organization. This symptom overlap led to initial confusion and consideration of other potential causes such as COVID-19, influenza, and measles.
The remote location of the Panzi health zone in Kwango province has complicated efforts to manage the outbreak. The region’s limited healthcare infrastructure and low vaccination coverage have increased the population’s vulnerability to various diseases, including malaria and measles. The rainy season and challenging travel conditions have also delayed the transportation of samples to Kinshasa for further analysis.
Response and Ongoing Efforts
The World Health Organization has dispatched rapid response teams to assist with treatment, testing, and investigation of the outbreak. These efforts are crucial in a country where malaria is endemic, with over 30.5 million cases and nearly 79,000 deaths reported in 2021 alone. The focus now is on curbing the mosquito-borne spread of the disease, which, fortunately, limits its transmission compared to airborne viruses.
As the situation continues to evolve, health authorities are working to improve access to healthcare, provide necessary treatments, and implement preventive measures against malaria in the affected regions. The identification of malaria as the cause has alleviated fears of a novel respiratory viral disease, but it underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the DRC in combating endemic diseases and improving overall public health infrastructure.
Sources:
- Mystery disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo is severe malaria, local authorities say
- Malaria Is Official Cause Of Flu-Like Mystery Illness In Congo
