Geneva, Dec. 11, (dpa/GNA) – Signs point to an all-clear regarding a potential new disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday that malaria is behind many recent cases.
Initial tests found malaria in 10 of 12 medical samples from patients, easing concerns that a mysterious illness, locally known as Disease X, was behind a rise in illnesses there.
On Sunday, the WHO reported more than 400 infected people and 31 deaths since October in the remote Panzi region, located more than 700 kilometres from the capital Kinshasa, raising alarm about a possible new disease.
WHO specialist Abdi Rahman Mahamad, speaking from Geneva, explained that the number of cases is in line with what would typically be expected during this time of year, especially given the ongoing rainy season in the region. The rainy season often leads to an increase in respiratory diseases, influenza, and malaria, the specialist added.
While the situation is being closely monitored, the number of cases has not increased exponentially in a short period of time, as would typically be the case with a new disease. However, samples continue to be tested for other potential pathogens and results are expected in the coming days, the specialist said.
Concern over rising deaths
The government has been on high alert, particularly as most of the affected are young children under five. According to the WHO, malnutrition in the region is also a significant concern, as it can make infections more dangerous.
Mike Ryan, WHO executive director of its health emergencies programme, said that the remoteness of the region has complicated relief efforts.
Due to poor roads and unpredictable weather, reaching the area from the capital, Kinshasa, takes more than two days. The WHO, with assistance from the United States, is airlifting samples to laboratories for further analysis, Ryan said.
GNA