Cholera Outbreak in Angola: Over 110 Fatalities Reported

Angola’s cholera outbreak has resulted in 3,402 cases and 114 deaths since January. The disease impacts several provinces, primarily Luanda and Bengo. Daily case counts exceed 100, peaking at 295 recently. Vaccination efforts have reached over 925,000 individuals, addressing public health needs amidst the crisis.

Angola is currently facing a severe cholera outbreak, with 3,402 reported cases and 114 fatalities since the epidemic began in early January, as detailed in the Health Ministry’s latest release. Daily case numbers have exceeded 100 since February 1, culminating in a peak of 295 cases on February 8. Notably, the capacity for laboratory confirmation of infections remains limited, with merely 20 samples analyzed each day.

The cholera outbreak has significantly impacted multiple provinces; however, Luanda and its neighboring Bengo province are the hardest hit. In response to the escalating situation, Angola has successfully vaccinated over 925,000 individuals against cholera, which represents approximately 86 percent of the target demographic, according to the latest epidemiological bulletin from the Health Ministry.

Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, typically transmitted through contaminated food or water. The disease poses a global public health risk and stresses the necessity for equitable access to clean water and basic sanitation. While many infected individuals may experience mild symptoms, quick treatment with oral rehydration solutions (ORS) is crucial to prevent complications and fatalities. Severe cases require more intensive care, including intravenous fluids and antibiotics.

Cholera manifests as acute watery diarrhea, which can rapidly become life-threatening if not treated promptly. Although most carriers of Vibrio cholerae do not exhibit symptoms, they can transmit the bacteria through their feces for up to ten days following infection. Symptoms typically arise between 12 hours to five days post-exposure.

Historically, cholera has been a significant public health challenge; the first recorded pandemic occurred in the 19th century, and since then, six more pandemics have resulted in countless deaths globally. The current seventh pandemic began in South Asia in 1961 and continues to affect populations around the world.

The cholera outbreak in Angola highlights the urgent need for public health interventions and adequate access to safe water and sanitation. With a significant number of cases and fatalities reported, it is crucial for authorities to enhance disease control measures and bolster vaccination efforts to mitigate the outbreak. The historical context of cholera as a global health threat underscores the importance of continued vigilance and response to such infectious diseases.

Original Source: www.lokmattimes.com