Cholera Outbreak Claims Over 110 Lives in Angola, Urgent Response Needed
Angola is experiencing a severe cholera outbreak, with 3,402 cases and 114 deaths reported since January. New cases are averaging over 100 daily, with limited laboratory testing available. Vaccination efforts have reached over 925,000 individuals, highlighting the urgent need for improved sanitation and water access.
Angola is currently facing a severe cholera outbreak that has led to 3,402 reported cases and 114 fatalities since the onset of the crisis in early January. The Health Ministry has indicated that the number of new cases has surged, with over 100 cases reported daily since February 1, peaking at 295 on February 8. Despite these alarming statistics, laboratory testing remains inadequate, with only approximately 20 samples being tested each day.
The cholera outbreak has predominantly affected various provinces, with Luanda and its neighboring Bengo province being the hardest hit. In response to the crisis, over 925,000 individuals have been immunized against cholera, representing 86 percent of the targeted population, according to a report from the Health Ministry’s epidemiological bulletin.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae found in contaminated food or water. This public health threat highlights the critical need for improved access to safe water, basic sanitation, and hygiene to prevent future outbreaks. While many cholera cases exhibit mild to moderate symptoms manageable with oral rehydration solutions (ORS), quick intervention is crucial for those with severe illness who may require intravenous fluids and antibiotics.
The disease manifests as severe watery diarrhea, which, if untreated, can lead to death within hours. Notably, an infected person may not display symptoms but can still transmit the bacteria through their feces for several days. Cholera has a long historical precedent, having caused multiple pandemics since the 19th century, with the current pandemic beginning in South Asia in 1961 and continuing to pose threats across the globe.
In summary, Angola faces a significant cholera outbreak with substantial health implications, including 3,402 cases and 114 deaths. The situation is exacerbated by limited testing capabilities and widespread transmission across provinces. Vaccination efforts have reached a considerable portion of the population, yet access to clean water and sanitation remains critical to combatting this and future outbreaks.
Original Source: www.lokmattimes.com
