Luanda, Jan 11 (NationPress) The Ministry of Health of Angola (MINSA) has issued a report concerning the ongoing cholera outbreak in the nation, indicating a total of 119 cases including 12 fatalities. Of these, 14 cases have been confirmed through laboratory analysis, while 12 samples are still undergoing testing.

The report states, "The cholera outbreak was officially declared on January 7, 2025, following the confirmation of the first case."

In response, MINSA has revised and activated its national cholera response framework, mobilizing medical supplies and resources. Important actions include improved epidemiological and laboratory monitoring, community outreach programs, and initiatives aimed at enhancing water and sanitation, such as the distribution of calcium hypochlorite and the disinfection of potable water tanks.

The ministry also highlighted difficulties in controlling the outbreak, especially concerning inadequate sanitation in impacted regions and the absence of safe drinking water systems in vulnerable areas.

Within the last 24 hours, 24 new cholera cases have been recorded, with 20 cases concentrated in Cacuaco Municipality, the outbreak's epicenter. Cacuaco, located in the capital province of Luanda, has a population exceeding 1.2 million.

Out of the 119 cases reported, 53 percent are female and 47 percent male. Notably, 11 out of the 12 deaths took place in Cacuaco.

The bulletin classifies a cholera case as "a patient exhibiting severe or extreme dehydration, or death resulting from acute watery diarrhea, with or without vomiting, in individuals older than two in areas where cholera is present." A confirmed case is defined as "a suspected case where the cholera vibrio has been isolated from stool samples."

A timeline presented in the report shows that cholera symptoms were first noticed in a patient on December 31, 2024, according to reports by Xinhua.

The World Health Organization states that cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacteria Vibrio cholerae. It represents a significant global health risk and highlights disparities in social and economic development. Access to safe drinking water, essential sanitation, and hygiene practices is crucial in preventing cholera and other waterborne illnesses.

While most individuals with cholera experience mild to moderate diarrhea that can be managed with oral rehydration solutions (ORS), the disease can escalate quickly, making prompt treatment essential for survival. Severe cases require intravenous fluids, ORS, and antibiotics.

Cholera has been recognized for centuries. The first recorded pandemic occurred in the 19th century, followed by six pandemics that claimed millions of lives worldwide. The current seventh pandemic, which began in South Asia in 1961, continues to impact populations across the globe.