and they reckon the undiagnosed disease has been resolved and it’s a severe malaria with respiratory illness. But they are still awaiting WHO confirmation.
Unknown disease in Congo is found to be severe malaria, know why it
looked so different
The unknown mysterious disease that has been circulating in the
southwestern Kwango province is a severe form of malaria, Democratic
Republic of Congo’s Health Ministry has confirmed. The disease has
killed more than 140 people so far.
“The mystery has finally been solved. It’s a case of severe malaria in
the form of a respiratory illness . . . and weakened by malnutrition,”
the health ministry said in a statement.
It also said that 592 cases had been reported since October [2024]
with a fatality rate of 6.2% [with 140 deaths out of 592 cases, the
case fatality rate should be 23.6%, not 6.2% - Mod.LL].
Respiratory symptoms in malaria result from several mechanisms.
Pulmonary edema, caused by increased vascular permeability, can lead
to difficulty breathing. Inflammatory responses to the parasite can
cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), where fluid builds
up in the lungs. Severe anemia, a common complication, reduces
oxygen-carrying capacity, contributing to respiratory distress.
Metabolic acidosis from parasite-induced lactic acid buildup may
trigger hyperventilation as the body attempts to restore pH balance.
While classic malaria primarily presents with fever, chills, sweats,
and flu-like symptoms, malaria with respiratory involvement includes
additional signs such as rapid breathing, chest pain, and severe
oxygen desaturation. Pulmonary symptoms are more commonly associated
with Plasmodium falciparum, the most dangerous malaria species,
known for causing severe systemic complications.
Unlike typical malaria, respiratory complications often indicate
advanced disease or co-morbidities, such as bacterial pneumonia or
non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema. These cases require immediate
intervention, often involving oxygen therapy, intensive care, and
aggressive antimalarial treatment.
More details on the severe form of malaria that was prevalent in Congo
is awaited.
–
CCommunicated by:
ProMED
)