Mystery illness in DRC claims 143 lives, mostly children

The first case of this disease, which presents symptoms similar to the flu such as fever, headaches, runny nose, breathing difficulties, and anemia, was reported on October 24. However, it was not until last Sunday that the relevant government agencies in the Democratic Republic of the Congo were informed about it.

The majority of "Disease X" cases, as it has been termed by the media, have been recorded in the Panzi health region in the province of Kwango. Authorities have dispatched support teams to assist local doctors and investigate the disease's nature. The WHO is also extending its support to the DRC.

As reported by Jean Kaseya, Director-General of the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), in the agency's weekly update, at least 376 cases with symptoms of fever, headaches, runny nose, breathing difficulties, and anemia have been reported since October 24. According to the organization, 79 people have died from it, but local officials told Reuters on Friday that at least 143 people have died.

The WHO advises not to call the disease "unidentified" but rather "undiagnosed." The organization states that without laboratory results, it is unclear what is causing the illness, which could be due to a common, known pathogen.

Doctors will also be testing for the flu, as the region is currently experiencing peak flu season, as well as for coronavirus, malaria, and measles. It is possible that "Disease X" in this region of the DRC is a known disease. However, its rapid spread and impact, particularly due to malnutrition affecting about 40% of the area's population, are concerning.

"Disease X" is not the only threat facing the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The country has been grappling for months with a rise in mpox cases—monkeypox. Nearly 48,000 cases and 1,200 deaths have been recorded to date.

Source: reuters.com, washingtonpost.com