Angola Reports 224 Cholera Cases with 18 Fatalities
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Luanda, Jan 13 (NationPress) Angola has confirmed 224 cholera cases, as reported by the Ministry of Health.
In the last 24 hours, there have been three cholera-related deaths and 54 new cases identified, primarily in the capital province of Luanda.
As the cholera situation worsens since the initial confirmed case on Tuesday, national emergency response measures have been initiated, reports the Xinhua news agency.
The World Health Organization states that cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It represents a significant global public health challenge and highlights disparities in social and economic development. Access to clean water, basic sanitation, and hygiene practices is crucial to prevent cholera and other waterborne illnesses.
The majority of cholera cases present with mild to moderate diarrhea and can be treated with oral rehydration solutions (ORS). Nonetheless, the condition can deteriorate quickly, making prompt treatment essential for saving lives. Severe cases may require intravenous fluids, ORS, and antibiotics.
Cholera has been recognized for centuries, with the first pandemic documented in the 19th century. Since that time, there have been six pandemics that have claimed millions of lives worldwide. The current seventh pandemic, which began in South Asia in 1961, continues to impact populations globally.
The WHO rates the global risk from cholera as very high and is urgently responding to mitigate deaths and control outbreaks in various countries worldwide.
From October 23, 2024, to November 25, 2024, a total of 28,953 new cholera cases, including 257 new fatalities, have been documented globally. New cases have emerged from Afghanistan, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Malawi, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, United Republic of Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
