Have you ever heard about Disease X?
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is dealing with a health crisis in the remote Panzi health zone of Kwango Province, where an unknown illness has affected over 400 people and caused at least 31 deaths, mostly among malnourished children under the age of five.
This mystery illness, referred to by doctors as “Disease X,” (a term used to describe an unknown, future pathogen with pandemic potential) has symptoms we’re all familiar with, such as headache, fever, runny nose, cough, and body aches. Even though the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 10 out of 12 samples tested positive for malaria, they suggest there could be more than one illness at play.
This situation emphasizes how difficult it is for DRC to respond to medical crises in remote regions. For example, getting to Panzi from Kinshasa, the capital, takes many days due to bad roads. Experts say that efforts to determine the outbreak’s cause have been hampered by restricted access and sample collection delays.
A team from the DRC’s Ministry of Public Health has now collected higher-quality samples that should aid in a diagnosis, as the initial samples were unsuitable for testing.
Since doctors have not yet identified the pathogen, their immediate response was to isolate sick people, communicate risks to the population, and implement general preventive measures to stop Disease X from spreading. So, can this illness be isolated only to Congo, or is it only the beginning of a new pandemic? Let’s take a look:
Symptoms of Disease X in the DRC
1. Headache
Many patients who were diagnosed with Disease X in DRC reported severe headaches. Doctors say this symptom is frequently associated with infections that interfere with the body’s central nervous system or systemic infections.
According to research, headaches also indicate other dangerous conditions, such as meningitis, malaria, or different bacterial infections, which complicate the diagnosis of Disease X.
2. Fever
Another one of the most frequent symptoms reported among Disease X patients is fever. This symptom is part of many infectious diseases and is the body’s natural response to infection.
However, when it comes to this mysterious illness, doctors reported that patients’ fever was also accompanied by other flu-like symptoms, which suggested that the disease may have an infectious origin, possibly bacterial or viral.
3. Body aches
Body aches, also known as myalgia, are another symptom of Disease X. We’ve also noticed this symptom in other viral infections, such as the flu, SARS-CoV-2, or malaria. This causes widespread muscle pain and discomfort, making the patient feel fatigued and weak.
4. Runny nose and cough
A runny nose and cough are respiratory symptoms usually noticed in respiratory infections caused by viruses and bacteria. Researchers say the presence of this symptom could suggest the possibility of an illness similar to the flu or a viral respiratory infection.
5. Fatigue
Many people infected with the strange Disease X reported feeling fatigued. This excessive tiredness, paired with other symptoms we’ve previously mentioned, is a common symptom in infectious diseases.
When you feel fatigued, you can no longer carry out your normal daily activities. Moreover, it can also lead to malnutrition and dehydration, especially in vulnerable individuals, such as seniors and children.
Challenges in diagnosing Disease X
While these symptoms can help doctors understand this strange disease better, it’s still challenging to diagnose it, especially since it’s similar to other infectious viruses. For instance, researchers mentioned that the symptoms of Disease X patients experienced are similar to malaria, which is endemic in DRC.
Speaking of malaria, people infected with it can also experience fatigue, fever, and headache. 10 out of 12 samples from the epidemic tested positive for Disease X, but scientists warn that the new illness may involve a variety of ailments, with malaria being one of several contributing reasons.
Will Disease X become the new COVID-19?
While the two diseases share some symptoms, experts emphasize that they differ significantly in definition, understanding, and impact. COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is a well-documented respiratory illness that spreads easily through respiratory droplets and aerosols.
In contrast, researchers still lack sufficient information about the mysterious Disease X, especially since it first emerged in the Panzi district of Kwango Province at the end of October, but the Congo government only discovered it at the beginning of December 2024.
Current investigations suggest that Disease X might not be a single illness but rather a result of multiple infections. Symptoms observed—such as fever, cough, and body aches—point to potential culprits like the flu, measles, malaria, or pneumonia.
Moreover, mosquito-borne diseases, such as chikungunya or dengue, could also play a role. The situation remains under study as scientists work to determine the precise cause and potential risks.
Could Disease X reach America?
Just like with COVID-19, many people are scared that the new shocking disease will reach our country and infect ourselves and the people we love. So, is this scenery possible? As experts say, the answer depends on several factors, including the nature of the illnesses, their mode of transmission, and global travel patterns.
For example, if Disease X is airborne, like COVID-19, or transmitted through respiratory droplets, it could spread more easily and cross borders sooner than expected.
On the other hand, if it’s vector-borne (transmitted by mosquitoes or other insects), its spread will depend on the presence of suitable vectors, like the existence of specific mosquito species, in America.
Speaking of mosquitoes and their direct implication in Disease X transmission, if researchers discover that the illness is indeed mosquito-borne, some parts of the United States may be at risk. For example, areas with warm climates and mosquito populations, such as Florida or Texas, could be the first affected.
Are there forms of preparation against Disease X?
Since we’ve recently been through a terrible pandemic, we, as humanity, are now better prepared for a potential new health disaster. For instance, strengthening global health systems, improving surveillance, and researching the disease are great ways to be prepared in case of a potential pandemic.
If you want to take it a step further and prepare for a potential Disease X emergency in America, focusing on your hygiene is essential. Make sure you wash your hands regularly, handle your food properly, and use masks when in crowded areas or other high-risk situations.
Experts also recommend staying updated on routine vaccinations, so you can strengthen your immune system against known pathogens that could complicate outbreaks. Other than that, stockpile basic supplies, such as masks and medications, in case needed.
Takeaway
Even though Disease X is already a concern cause for many countries, researchers and doctors are closely monitoring patients and symptoms, so they can learn more about the illness and find ways to treat it. As for its travel possibilities, it can reach America, but its current outbreak is geographically isolated.
We’ll keep you posted with updates regarding this new dangerous disease, but until then, make sure you take good care of yourself and the people you love. If you want to give your immune system a boost, check out these vitamins.
Until next time, here’s another great helpful from Healthy Reads: 5 Surprising Moments When Showering Isn’t a Good Idea
