Puzzle about illness X solved in the Congo: malaria and malnutrition in focus

Puzzle about illness X solved in the Congo: malaria and malnutrition in focus

Panzi, Demokratische Republik Kongo - The puzzles about the cruel “illness X” in the Democratic Republic of Congo seem to be solved! According to the Ministry of Health and a recently published report by the WHO, the cause of the wave of disease in the Panzi region is a combination of known pathogens: malaria and viral respiratory diseases. Since the end of October, hundreds of people have been treated with flu -like symptoms that led to a worrying increase in deaths. While the WHO speaks of 48 deaths, local authorities appreciate the number to over 143. The disease hit children under five years of age who are underneath in this region.

alarming health situation

The WHO was able to prove that in addition to malaria, viruses such as flu, rhinoviruses and coronaviruses were found in 430 laboratory samples. This situation is tightened by the high rate of malnutrition: about 40 percent of people in the region are affected, and children are even 60 percent. Anyone who is malnourished has a significantly higher risk of getting rid of it-a fact that has alerted the health authorities, such as geo.de confirmed.

The difficulties of access to this remote region, in combination with a lack of available samples, made the extensive examination difficult. But now it is clear that a large number of known pathogens are responsible for the devastating diseases, which makes the situation no less serious - on the contrary. The WHO calls for strengthening health care in remote areas to prevent such tragedies and emphasizes the need to focus on malnutrition in order to protect the most endangered population groups. Since the acute malnutrition has already increased, quick action is essential to avoid further serious illnesses and deaths, such as reports.