Rome, Dec. 27 (LaPresse) – The mysterious illness reported in Congo is a combination of malaria and respiratory infections, according to the WHO in a statement updating the situation following recent "epidemiological investigations and preliminary laboratory results." As of December 16, laboratory results from a total of 430 samples "indicated positive results for malaria, common respiratory viruses (including influenza A H1N1, pdm09), rhinovirus, SARS-CoV-2, human coronaviruses, parainfluenza viruses, and human adenovirus," the statement read. While further laboratory tests are ongoing, "these results suggest that a combination of common and seasonal viral respiratory infections and falciparum malaria, exacerbated by acute malnutrition, has led to an increase in severe infections and deaths, disproportionately affecting children under five years old." The WHO added that the reported deaths in the affected Congo region (48) remained relatively stable in the past week. This event highlights the severe burden of common infectious diseases (acute respiratory infections and malaria) in the context of vulnerable populations facing food insecurity. "It underscores the need to strengthen access to healthcare and address the root causes of vulnerability, particularly malnutrition, given the worsening food insecurity," the WHO concluded.