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The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the results of its investigation into a serious illness outbreak in the Banza region of Kwango province, located in the southwestern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The outbreak, which has been labeled "Disease X," was confirmed to be caused by a combination of known diseases, including common viral respiratory infections, falciparum malaria, and acute malnutrition.
The WHO, headquartered in Geneva, reported that laboratory analysis of 430 patient samples revealed the presence of various pathogens, such as malaria, influenza, rhinoviruses, and coronaviruses, among others. The organization emphasized that these multiple factors contributed to the surge in severe cases and fatalities, especially among children under the age of five.
The outbreak began in late October and has affected hundreds of individuals exhibiting flu-like symptoms such as fever, headaches, body aches, and difficulty breathing. Local authorities report that the death toll has surpassed 130, while the WHO has officially recorded 48 fatalities.
WHO experts highlighted that this health crisis underscores the urgent need for enhanced medical and preventive efforts in remote areas suffering from malnutrition and inadequate healthcare services.