Mystery Disease in DRC Identified as Severe Malaria

Local health officials in the DRC have identified severe malaria as the cause of a recent outbreak that has sickened hundreds and resulted in fatalities, primarily among children. The health ministry reported 592 cases since October, with ongoing testing by the World Health Organization to confirm the findings. Symptoms of the illness include fever and respiratory distress, and many affected individuals are also severely malnourished.

Recent reports from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) indicate that a previously unidentified illness responsible for numerous fatalities has been attributed to severe malaria. Local health authorities asserted that they have effectively diagnosed the disease affecting mainly young children in the southwestern Kwango province. Health care professionals were dispatched to the area to gather samples and provide patient care amid a concerning outbreak that began earlier this month. The DRC health ministry has confirmed 592 cases since October, with a recorded fatality rate of 6.2 percent, a figure significantly lower than earlier estimates.

The recent outbreak of an unknown disease in the DRC has puzzled health officials, with symptoms resembling those of a flu-like illness predominantly affecting children under five. The initial response included extensive sampling and patient support from health workers, who swiftly arrived in the remote Kwango province. Malaria, a prevalent illness within the DRC, has emerged as a likely principal cause of the outbreak, further complicated by factors such as malnutrition that amplify its severity.

In conclusion, the identification of severe malaria as the cause of the outbreak in the DRC marks a significant advancement in addressing the health crisis. While local authorities have reported this diagnosis, the World Health Organization continues to conduct thorough testing to confirm the findings. Prompt response and continued monitoring will be essential to manage this health emergency effectively and prevent further casualties.

Original Source: www.euronews.com