Angola’s Cholera Outbreak Death Toll Exceeds 300, Urgency in Response Needed

Angola’s cholera outbreak has led to 313 deaths and 8,141 reported cases as of March 21. Government efforts include vaccinating 925,026 people and establishing treatment centers. The World Health Organization highlights cholera’s link to inadequate sanitation and water access, affirming the importance of timely treatment.

As of March 21, Angola’s cholera outbreak has resulted in 313 deaths and a total of 8,141 confirmed cases, as reported by the Ministry of Health. On March 21 alone, 15 new fatalities were recorded, marking one of the highest single-day death tolls since the outbreak started in January, with 17 deaths reported a few days prior on March 15.

The cholera outbreak has persisted for over 70 days, with daily reported cases consistently reaching triple digits since March. Regions particularly affected include Luanda, Bengo, Icolo e Bengo, Cuanza Norte, and Benguela. Health Minister Silvia Lutucuta announced that approximately 925,026 individuals have received vaccinations, equating to 86 percent of the targeted demographic.

To address the crisis effectively, the government established 77 cholera treatment centers in the hardest-hit areas and 64 oral rehydration centers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cholera is a serious diarrheal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, often linked to deficiencies in access to safe water, basic sanitation, and hygiene.

Cholera can cause mild to moderate diarrhoea and can often be treated with oral rehydration solutions; however, if untreated, it leads to severe cases requiring intravenous fluids and antibiotics. While most infected individuals do not show symptoms, they can still transmit the bacteria for 1 to 10 days. Symptoms usually manifest between 12 hours to 5 days post-infection, with severe cases resulting in acute watery diarrhea and potentially fatal dehydration.

Cholera occurs regularly in certain regions, while in others, outbreaks are infrequent. Factors such as conflict, displacement, and environmental events contribute to the incidence of cholera due to improper water and sanitation infrastructure. The WHO reported an increase in cholera cases globally, with 535,321 cases and 4,007 deaths recorded from 45 countries in 2023.

In summary, Angola’s cholera outbreak presents a significant public health challenge, having claimed over 300 lives and infected thousands. The government is actively engaging in vaccination and treatment measures to contain the outbreak, while the WHO emphasizes the need for improved sanitation and access to clean water as critical factors in combating cholera. Vigilance and rapid response are essential in mitigating the effects of this ongoing health crisis.

Original Source: www.socialnews.xyz