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Mystery Disease In Congo Caused By Acute Respiratory Infections, Says WHO
A recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) has shed new light on the mysterious illness affecting people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to the report, the cause of the disease is likely due to acute respiratory infections exacerbated by malaria and malnutrition.
The findings contradict earlier reports that suggested the illness was caused by severe malaria alone. Instead, laboratory tests revealed that 72% of samples obtained from patients were positive for common respiratory viruses. Notably, influenza A virus, rhinoviruses, and SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes Covid-19, were identified as the primary culprits.
In addition to these viral infections, over 60% of the analyzed samples also tested positive for malaria. Malaria is a significant public health concern in the DRC, accounting for approximately 12% of all cases and deaths worldwide. The burden of this disease falls disproportionately on children, who are more susceptible to its devastating effects.
The report highlights the dire situation, with over 891 reported cases and 48 deaths attributed to the mystery illness so far. Alarmingly, the majority of these cases have occurred in children under the age of five, underscoring the grave need for swift intervention.
Furthermore, the report underscores the importance of addressing malnutrition as a critical factor exacerbating the severity of infectious diseases. It notes that the affected area has experienced a deterioration in food security, leading to increasing levels of acute malnutrition. Moreover, it is estimated that 4.5 million children under five in the DRC will face or are expected to face acute malnutrition.
The WHO report concludes by emphasizing the high risk posed to the local community and the need for increased surveillance and testing to confirm these findings. The organization also stresses the importance of addressing underlying factors, such as food insecurity, which can significantly worsen outcomes for infectious diseases.
In summary, it appears that this mystery disease is not caused by a novel pathogen, but rather highlights the devastating impact of known pathogens on vulnerable populations. As such, urgent action is required to address the root causes of these diseases and mitigate their severity.
Source: http://www.forbes.com
