Angola’s Cholera Outbreak Death Toll Exceeds 300 Amid Ongoing Crisis

Angola’s cholera outbreak has resulted in 313 deaths and over 8,141 cases, with the situation worsening over the past 70 days. In response, authorities have vaccinated over 925,000 people and established numerous treatment centers. Cholera remains a significant public health concern, emphasizing the need for improved access to safe water and sanitation to prevent further infections.

The cholera outbreak in Angola has resulted in 313 fatalities with 8,141 cases reported, according to the Ministry of Health. Just on Thursday, the nation experienced 15 additional deaths, marking the second-highest daily toll since the outbreak commenced in January, following 17 deaths noted on March 15. The outbreak has been ongoing for over 70 days, with daily cases typically exceeding three figures since March. Infectious cases have spread beyond the capital, Luanda, to provinces such as Bengo, Icolo e Bengo, Cuanza Norte, and Benguela.

Health Minister Silvia Lutucuta announced at a press conference in Luanda that 925,026 individuals, representing 86% of the targeted population, have been vaccinated. The government has also established 77 cholera treatment centers in regions severely affected by the outbreak, along with 64 oral rehydration centers to address the ongoing crisis.

Cholera, an acute diarrheal illness, is primarily caused by the consumption of water or food contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. It poses a significant global public health challenge, highlighting issues relating to societal inequities and inadequate social and economic development. The prevention of cholera hinges on accessible safe water, basic sanitation, and proper hygiene practices.

While many infected individuals exhibit mild or moderate diarrhoea and respond well to oral rehydration solutions (ORS), immediate treatment is critical due to the disease’s rapid progression. Severe cases necessitate intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solutions, and antibiotics. Most infected individuals do not show symptoms, yet they can transmit the bacteria through their feces for 1 to 10 days, with symptoms surfacing anywhere from 12 hours to five days post-infection.

Cholera outbreaks tend to be consistent in some nations while sporadic in others, with years potentially passing between outbreaks. Limited access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene correlates with the occurrence of cholera, often exacerbated by factors such as conflict, population displacement, and climate-related events. Cases reported to the World Health Organisation have risen sharply, with 535,321 reported in 2023 alone, resulting in 4,007 deaths across 45 countries.

The cholera outbreak in Angola serves as a grave reminder of the public health challenges tied to waterborne diseases. With over 300 deaths recorded and thousands affected, the government’s responses—including vaccination programs and treatment centers—are critical in managing the crisis. Continuous advocacy for access to clean water and sanitation is essential to mitigate future outbreaks, highlighting cholera’s link to broader social inequality issues.

Original Source: www.socialnews.xyz