Cholera Outbreak Leads to 201 Deaths and 5,574 Infections in Angola

A cholera outbreak in Angola has infected 5,574 individuals and resulted in 201 deaths since January. The outbreak, originating in Luanda, has spread to 13 provinces, with the first case recently recorded in Cunene. Cholera, caused by contaminated food or water, poses severe health risks and necessitates swift treatment to prevent fatalities.

The recent cholera outbreak in Angola has resulted in 201 fatalities, as announced by the nation’s Health Ministry. Since early January, there have been 5,574 reported infections across 13 out of 21 provinces. The outbreak originated in Luanda, the capital province, which has reported the highest incidence of cases, followed by the provinces of Bengo and Icolo e Bengo. Alarmingly, the latest count includes the first case reported in Cunene province, prompting heightened vigilance from health authorities.

Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is a significant global public health challenge, highlighting the disparities in access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. To combat cholera and other waterborne diseases, availability of clean water and basic sanitary facilities is vital. Most cholera cases manifest as mild or moderate diarrhea, manageable through oral rehydration solutions (ORS).

Nonetheless, cholera can deteriorate swiftly, necessitating prompt treatment to avert fatalities. Severe cases demand immediate medical attention, which may include intravenous fluids, ORS, and antibiotics. Cholera causes severe, acute watery diarrhea, potentially leading to death within hours if left untreated. While many infected individuals are asymptomatic, they can still transmit the bacteria through feces for 1 to 10 days post-infection, with symptoms emerging 12 hours to 5 days after exposure.

Historically, cholera has been a persistent health issue, with the first known pandemic occurring in the 19th century. This was succeeded by six pandemics that have collectively claimed millions of lives worldwide. The current seventh pandemic, which commenced in South Asia in 1961, remains a global concern affecting various populations.

In summary, the cholera outbreak in Angola has led to significant health challenges, resulting in 201 deaths and over 5,500 infections since January. The disease underscores critical issues of sanitation and health access in affected areas. Rapid intervention and public health measures are essential to mitigate the outbreak and prevent further fatalities.

Original Source: madhyamamonline.com