143 fatalities so far

“Mystery solved”: “Disease X” is severe malaria

In Congo, the number of people suffering from "disease X" has risen to more than 400 cases. Logistical problems also make the response to the disease particularly difficult.(Bild: APA/AP Photo/Lucien Lufutu)

According to the authorities, the previously mysterious "Disease X" in a remote region of the Democratic Republic of Congo is a severe form of malaria.

"The mystery has finally been solved," the Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday. It was severe malaria in the form of a respiratory disease. Malnutrition also plays a role. Children are predominantly affected, especially under-fives.

Since the outbreak in November in the province of Kwango, there have been more than 400 cases of the disease. 143 people have lost their lives. 

Operations are proving difficult
Concerns about a possible new disease were correspondingly high. The Congolese government announced that it was on high alert. The remoteness of the region is also making operations on the ground more difficult, said WHO Emergency Relief Director Mike Ryan.

It takes more than two days to even reach the area from the capital Kinshasa due to poor roads and the weather.

The term "Disease X" was used by the Institute of Public Health of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Symptoms include fever, headaches, respiratory problems and anemia.

In anemia, also known as anemia, the concentration of the red blood pigment hemoglobin in the blood drops below normal. This means that the blood can transport significantly less oxygen.