Cholera Epidemic Claims Over 110 Lives in Angola

Synopsis

Angola has experienced a cholera outbreak resulting in 3,402 cases and 114 deaths since January. The Health Ministry's reports indicate a troubling trend of new cases, with significant vaccination efforts underway to curb the spread of the disease.

Key Takeaways

3,402 cholera cases reported in Angola.
114 deaths linked to the outbreak.
Over 925,000 people vaccinated.
Laboratory testing remains limited, with 20 samples daily.
Cholera poses a global health threat.

Luanda, Feb 12 (NationPress) Angola has reported 3,402 cholera cases and 114 fatalities since the outbreak commenced in early January, as indicated by the Health Ministry's daily update.

From February 1, Angola has been noting over 100 new cholera cases daily, reaching a peak of 295 on February 8. Nevertheless, laboratory confirmation of infections is limited, with only about 20 samples tested each day, according to Tuesday's report.

Since the outbreak on January 7, the illness has spread to several provinces, with Luanda and its adjacent Bengo province being the most severely impacted.

More than 925,000 individuals have received cholera vaccinations, reaching 86 percent of the intended population, as stated in the Health Ministry's epidemiological report on Monday, according to the Xinhua news agency.

The World Health Organisation defines cholera as an acute diarrhoeal disease triggered by the ingestion of food or water tainted with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It poses a global public health challenge and highlights disparities in social and economic development. Access to safe drinking water, basic sanitation, and hygiene practices is crucial for preventing cholera and other waterborne illnesses.

Most individuals affected by cholera experience mild to moderate diarrhoea, which can be managed with oral rehydration solutions (ORS). However, the disease can advance swiftly, making prompt treatment essential to save lives. Those with severe cases require intravenous fluids, ORS, and antibiotics.

Cholera can lead to severe acute watery diarrhoea, potentially fatal within hours if untreated. The majority of individuals infected with Vibrio cholerae may not show symptoms but can transmit the bacteria through their faeces for a duration of 1 to 10 days. Symptoms typically manifest 12 hours to 5 days after exposure.

Cholera has existed for centuries, with the first recorded pandemic in the 19th century. Since then, there have been six pandemics that resulted in millions of deaths worldwide. The ongoing (seventh) pandemic began in South Asia in 1961 and continues to impact populations around the globe.