Mystery illness in Congo could be severe malaria

Severe malaria is the likely cause of dozens of unexplained deaths and nearly 600 illnesses in the Democratic Republic of Congo, health officials believe.

Health officials are narrowing in on the cause of dozens of unexplained deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday that a severe form of malaria is likely responsible, based on lab tests so far.

The illness was considered a mystery for weeks. It has killed at least 37 people and sickened 592, according to the Africa CDC. Local authorities previously told Reuters that the death toll exceeded 140.

Health officials in Africa have been referring to the illness as “Disease X” while awaiting test results.

The Africa CDC said Thursday that lab tests of samples taken from 51 people suggest that a malaria outbreak may be behind the cases. Concurrent health issues among the population, such malnutrition and known viral infections, could exacerbate the illnesses. (Malaria is caused by a parasite that’s spread by mosquitoes.)

“The diagnosis is leaning more toward malaria,” Dr. Ngashi Ngongo, principal adviser to the director-general of the Africa CDC, said at a news briefing.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/congo-disease-outbreak-severe-malaria-rcna183299

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