Ten patients suffering from a mysterious disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo have tested positive for malaria, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) director-general. Twelve individuals with the unknown illness were tested, and ten returned positive results, WHO’s Ghebreyesus stated.
He mentioned the possibility of multiple concurrent illnesses. Further testing will be conducted to pinpoint the cause or causes, as reported by the WHO.
Concerns are rising over the unidentified disease that emerged in late November in the Panzi region of Kwango province. The Congolese Ministry of Health reports nearly 400 known cases and over 30 deaths.
The WHO dispatched a team of experts to the region last week to assist local health workers in combating the disease and to conduct additional tests. The area’s poor road access poses challenges in reaching patients.
Earlier, the health organization considered links to diseases like COVID, influenza, measles, and malaria. Symptoms resemble those of the flu, including headache, coughing, breathing difficulties, and anemia.
Local authorities advise extreme caution and avoiding contact with the deceased. This unknown illness adds to an existing mpox outbreak, responsible for an estimated 1,000 deaths.
Source: NOS