In recent weeks, another mysterious disease outbreak has occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in at least 60 deaths, according to officials. This follows a similar event in September 2024, which was initially referred to as “Disease X” before the World Health Organization (WHO) identified it as a combination of several known acute respiratory illnesses complicated by malaria and malnutrition. These new outbreaks could have similar origins, but determining the exact cause will likely take time.
The current situation in the DR Congo involves over 1,000 reported cases in the Equateur province. In Basankusu’s health zone, there have been 141 cases of the disease, and a separate outbreak in early February consisted of 158 cases and 58 deaths. In January, Bolamba village reported 12 cases and eight deaths.
Initial lab tests have ruled out Ebola and Marburg disease. Half of those tested have tested positive for malaria. Further testing will be conducted for meningitis and potential toxic contamination. Influenza and typhoid have also been suggested as possible causes of the disease. While some diseases have been ruled out, the WHO has sent epidemiologists to the region to conduct further sampling and analysis.
The cause of the disease and whether the illnesses in different regions are connected remains unknown. Early reports suggested the first cases were among a group of children who may have eaten a bat, though this incident is not yet confirmed as the cause. Bats are known reservoirs of viruses and other disease-causing pathogens. Global health advice recommends people avoid exposure to dead animals.
The symptoms of the mystery disease include fever, headaches, chills, sweating, stiffness in the neck, muscular aches, joint and body pain, coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea. The broadness of these symptoms and their potential to apply to many diseases make it impossible to pinpoint the cause without analysis of biological samples from patients.
Health experts say the mystery disease is likely caused by several known pathogens acting together. The addition of further sampling and analysis by WHO officials in conjunction with local teams will help narrow the search for a cause. Limited health infrastructure in the region and concerns of the disease spreading are offset by the experience of local health authorities in addressing infectious disease epidemics.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/another-mystery-disease-outbreak-in-dr-congo-what-we-know/a-71783032?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
