Mysterious illness in Congo: WHO investigates malaria link
A mysterious flu-like illness has emerged in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The WHO suggests a possible link to malaria but does not exclude other diseases. So far, infection has been confirmed in over 500 people, and the illness is proving fatal for many.
In the western part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 514 cases of a new, unidentified disease have been reported. The infection resembles the flu, and the disease appeared just four months after WHO declared a global health emergency due to mpox.
Possible link to malaria
WHO specialists who arrived on site have conducted initial studies and collected samples from patients. Tedros Adhanom, the WHO Director-General, reported that 10 out of 12 tested samples were positive for malaria. However, he emphasized that "it is also possible that more than one disease is contributing to the cases and deaths."
Experts stress that to determine the exact causes of the epidemic, it is necessary to collect more samples and conduct further tests. Research teams are analysing the transmission dynamics and seeking additional cases both in health facilities and in local communities.
Recommendations for travellers
GIS recommends caution towards individuals arriving from the region with symptoms of respiratory infection. Those planning to travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo should exercise special caution, follow the announcements of local authorities and the WHO.
Potential contributing factors include severe pneumonia, influenza, COVID-19, measles, and malaria, with malnutrition being a coexisting factor.
Are we facing another pandemic?
The unknown disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo resembles other recent epidemics in the region. Ebola, a similarly dangerous virus, has struck Congo again, claiming the lives of four people after the detection of a new outbreak in the western part of the country. At the same time, an Ebola-infected patient escaped from a clinic in Congo, raising WHO concerns about a potential increase in infections.
The World Health Organization is worried about the situation in Congo, describing the epidemic's development as alarming. The WHO is attempting to manage the situation by sending specialized teams to the site and planning vaccinations and drug deliveries. Unfortunately, the Ebola outbreak amidst managing the coronavirus pandemic poses a significant challenge for medical services.
Simultaneously, the WHO is seeking effective treatments for the new coronavirus and other diseases. A protocol for testing African herbal medicines as potential treatments has been approved. This approach aims to conduct clinical trials and potentially introduce natural medicines if they prove to be effective and safe.
