Cholera Epidemic Claims Over 200 Lives in Angola

Synopsis

The cholera outbreak in Angola has resulted in 201 deaths, with over 5,500 infections reported since January. The disease has spread across 13 provinces, prompting health officials to respond. Timely treatment is critical for survival, as untreated cholera can lead to fatal outcomes within hours. Access to clean water and sanitation is essential for prevention.

Key Takeaways

Over 200 fatalities reported in Angola
5,574 cholera infections since January
Outbreak spans 13 provinces
Timely treatment is crucial for survival
Access to clean water is vital for prevention

Luanda, March 1 (NationPress) The toll from the recent cholera epidemic in Angola has reached 201 fatalities, as reported by the nation's Health Ministry.

Since the beginning of January, 5,574 individuals have been diagnosed with the disease, according to the ministry.

Cholera incidents have surfaced across 13 of Angola's 21 provinces. The outbreak began in the capital, Luanda, which has recorded the highest incidence of cases, followed closely by the adjacent provinces of Bengo and Icolo e Bengo, as per reports from the Xinhua news agency.

Recently, the Cunene province confirmed its first case, prompting health officials to initiate preventive measures.

The WHO states that cholera is an acute diarrheal disease triggered by the consumption of food or water tainted with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. This illness poses a significant global public health risk and reflects deep-seated inequalities and insufficient social and economic progress. Access to clean water, basic sanitation, and proper hygiene practices is crucial for the prevention of cholera and other waterborne illnesses.

The majority of cholera patients experience mild to moderate diarrhea and can be effectively treated with oral rehydration solutions (ORS). Nonetheless, the disease can escalate swiftly, emphasizing the need for timely treatment to avert fatalities. Severe cases require intravenous fluids, ORS, and antibiotics.

Cholera can lead to severe acute watery diarrhea, which can become fatal within hours without proper treatment. Most individuals infected with Vibrio cholerae remain asymptomatic but can still transmit the bacteria through their feces for a duration of 1 to 10 days. Symptoms typically manifest between 12 hours to 5 days post-infection.

The history of cholera spans centuries, with the first recorded pandemic in the 19th century. Since then, six pandemics have resulted in millions of deaths worldwide. The ongoing seventh pandemic, which began in South Asia in 1961, continues to impact communities across the globe.