The recent WHO report sheds light on the mystery illness affecting individuals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Contrary to earlier beliefs that the illness, previously referred to as “disease X,” was caused by severe malaria, the report suggests that it is likely attributed to a common respiratory virus exacerbated by malnutrition and malaria. This aligns with the Africa CDC’s hypothesis that a viral infection in conjunction with malaria and malnutrition could be the root cause of the illness.
Laboratory tests conducted on patient samples revealed that a significant majority tested positive for common respiratory viruses, including influenza A virus, rhinoviruses, and even the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for Covid-19. Additionally, over 60% of the samples showed signs of malaria, a prevalent disease in the DRC, especially affecting children. The current situation in the affected area, the Kwango Province, reports 891 cases and 48 deaths, with children under five years old bearing the highest disease burden.
The severity of the illness, particularly in children, is exacerbated by malnutrition, as the area has experienced a decline in food security. The report highlights that millions of children and pregnant or breastfeeding women in the DRC are at risk of acute malnutrition, which can worsen outcomes for various infectious diseases. Despite the evidence linking the mystery illness to known pathogens, further surveillance and testing are necessary to fully understand the situation.
The WHO report emphasizes that while the local community faces a high risk, the national, regional, and global risks are relatively low. It underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and testing to address the complex factors influencing infectious disease severity. The findings suggest that the mystery illness is not caused by a new pathogen but rather underscores the impact of existing pathogens on vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, the WHO report provides valuable insights into the potential causes of the mysterious illness in the DRC, highlighting the need for continued research and intervention to protect public health.
