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Congo Says Mystery Disease Behind Dozens Of Deaths Of Women And Children Finally Identified As Severe Malaria
Johannesburg — For weeks it was dubbed simply "Disease X." But the mysterious flu-like disease that has killed more than 143 people — mainly women and young children — in the Democratic Republic of Congo has finally been identified.
"The mystery has finally been solved," Congo's health ministry declared in a statement on Tuesday. "It's a case of severe malaria in the form of a respiratory illness."
The health agency said malnutrition in the hardest-hit region had weakened the local population's immunity, leaving them more vulnerable to the disease. People who contracted the malaria infection have exhibited symptoms including headache, fever, cough and body ache.
The Congo's health minister had told journalists the country was on "maximum alert" over the spread of the previously unidentified disease, and health officials told CBS News in early December that the remoteness of the epicenter of the outbreak and lack of a diagnosis made it difficult to launch a concerted response.
Congo's health minister Roger Kamba attends a press conference in Kinshasa, Congo, in a Dec. 5, 2024 file photo. Samy Ntumba Shambuyi/AP At least 592 cases were reported after the alert was first raised by Congo's health ministry on Oct. 29. The ministry said the disease had a fatality rate of 6.25%. More than half of the deaths recorded were children younger than five who were severely malnourished when they contracted the disease, according to the World Health Organization.
At a press briefing on Dec. 10, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said 10 out of 12 samples from patients suffering from the mysterious disease had tested positive for malaria, but he said they were still testing at the time for other diseases.
The Congolese government had sent a rapid intervention team to the Kwango province, 435 miles southeast of capital city Kinshasa, consisting of epidemiologists and other medical experts. Their objective was to identify the disease and mount a suitable response. Government officials had earlier warned locals to avoid touching people infected with the illness or the bodies of those who had died.
Congo has suffered from many disease outbreaks in recent years, including typhoid, malaria and anemia. The country has also grappled with an mpox outbreak, with more than 47,000 suspected cases and over 1,000 suspected deaths from the disease, according to the WHO.
Anti-malaria medicine provided by the WHO was being distributed at local health centers in Congo, and WHO officials said more medical supplies were due to arrive in the country Wednesday.
It's the rainy season in Congo, which often sees a rise in malaria cases, and will certainly complicate treating those most at risk.
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Sarah CarterMystery DRC Outbreak Officially Identified As Malaria
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The source of a mystery disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has officially been identified as malaria, the country's health ministry said on Tuesday.
The disease, carried by mosquitoes, has sickened 500 and killed at least 149 since it began spreading several weeks ago in Panzi, Kwango, a remote part of the DRC.
"The mystery has finally been solved. It's a case of severe malaria in the form of a respiratory illness... And weakened by malnutrition," the health ministry said in a statement.
Last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) sent a team of epidemiologists and doctors to collect samples and conduct investigations into the outbreak, due to a severe lack of testing facilities in the region.
While initial rapid tests on the sick patients came back positive for malaria, samples needed to be verified at laboratories in the DRC's capital, Kinsashasa – 500 miles away from Panzi via dangerous and largely unpaved roads, leading to a significant delay in results.
The WHO's recent World Malaria Report found that there were around 11 million more cases of malaria in 2023 than 2022, up to an estimated 263 million. At least 597,000 died, the vast majority of which were African children under the age of five.
Resistance to pesticides, climate change, and global conflict are all thought to have contributed to a spike in cases.
Malaria can cause a range of symptoms and missed cases are often confused for other diseases like flu, gastroenteritis, or hepatitis. Symptoms range from fever and chills to more serious conditions like jaundice and anaemia.
The disease can be treated with anti-malarial drugs, and if diagnosed early enough can usually be cured within two weeks.
Two new vaccines, the RTS,S and R21 have also been licenced for use in children 5, and are starting to be rolled out in several African countries.
The DRC began the rollout in October of this year, though the programme hasn't reached Panzi, which is extremely isolated and surrounded by miles of dense jungle.
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Are We Heading For Another Pandemic? Highly Infectious Diseases To Watch In 2025
Disease X: The Unknown LurksThe term "Disease X" represents an unpredictable pathogen that could spark the next pandemic. Though hypothetical, its potential impact is a stark reminder of the importance of global health readiness. A recent unidentified illness in the Congo, initially labelled Disease X, turned out to be a severe form of malaria. However, the incident highlighted the fragility of current systems in identifying and managing emerging threats. Strengthening health infrastructure and investing in research are necessary steps to prepare for the unexpected.
Previously known as monkeypox, mpox hasn't garnered as much attention as other viruses, but its presence is still felt. Outbreaks have primarily affected close-knit communities, with cases recently linked to more aggressive strains originating from travel to Eastern Africa. The rising cost of vaccines, which are no longer offered free of charge, has led to concerns that at-risk individuals might forego immunisation. Increased surveillance and accessible vaccination programs are crucial to tackling this virus.
Also Read: Korean Scientists Achieve Breakthrough: Transform Cancer Cells Back to Healthy Ones, Says Report
Bird Flu: A Growing ConcernThe avian influenza virus, commonly known as bird flu, has been making waves globally. In 2024, over 60 human cases were reported, including the first severe case in the U.S. While human-to-human transmission hasn't been observed domestically, experts caution against complacency. Without robust strategies to contain outbreaks, especially among poultry and dairy herds, the virus could evolve into a greater threat. Preparedness and proactive measures are essential to mitigating potential risks.
Once considered a disease of the past, measles is making an unwelcome comeback. A significant drop in vaccination coverage has contributed to a resurgence, with the U.S. Recording over 280 cases in 2024—the highest in five years. Measles is notoriously contagious, and most cases were traced to unvaccinated individuals. With vaccine exemptions on the rise, public health officials are concerned about further outbreaks. Strengthening immunisation campaigns is critical to curbing its spread.
Also Read: Human Metapneumovirus Detected in China: The Next Health Alert After Coronavirus?
Polio: A Persistent RiskAlthough polio was nearly eradicated, it remains a concern due to lingering cases in regions like Pakistan and Afghanistan. The interconnected nature of today's world means that the virus could resurface in the U.S., especially among populations with low vaccination rates. Many young parents, having never witnessed the devastation caused by diseases like polio, may underestimate its severity. Public awareness campaigns emphasising the importance of immunisation are vital to maintaining control over this preventable disease.
Navigating the Challenges AheadDespite these looming threats, there is reason for optimism. Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools for combating infectious diseases. Public health advocates urge individuals to stay informed, counteract misinformation, and participate in immunisation programs. Collaborative efforts between governments, healthcare providers, and communities can help avert crises and safeguard global health.
As 2025 unfolds, the focus must remain on vigilance and preparedness. Learning from past experiences and acting decisively could mean the difference between a manageable outbreak and a full-blown pandemic.
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