Luanda: Angola has reported a total of 3,402 cholera cases and 114 fatalities since the outbreak began in early January, according to the Health Ministry’s daily update.
Since February 1, the country has been seeing over 100 new cholera cases each day, with a peak of 295 cases recorded on February 8. However, the capacity for laboratory testing remains limited, with only around 20 samples being analyzed daily, as stated in Tuesday’s press release.
The outbreak, which started on January 7, has affected several provinces, with Luanda and the adjacent Bengo province being the hardest hit.
To combat the outbreak, more than 925,000 individuals have been vaccinated against cholera, which represents 86% of the target population, according to the Health Ministry’s epidemiological report released on Monday, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The World Health Organization highlights that cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It poses a global public health risk and reflects issues of inequality and insufficient social and economic development. Access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitation, and hygiene is crucial for preventing cholera and other waterborne illnesses.
Most cholera patients experience mild to moderate diarrhea and can be treated effectively with oral rehydration solutions (ORS). However, the disease can escalate quickly, making prompt treatment essential for survival. Severe cases require intravenous fluids, ORS, and antibiotics.
Cholera can lead to severe acute watery diarrhea, which can be fatal within hours if left untreated. While most individuals infected with Vibrio cholerae may not show symptoms, they can still transmit the bacteria through their feces for 1 to 10 days. Symptoms typically manifest between 12 hours to 5 days after infection.
Cholera has been recognized for centuries, with the first recorded pandemic occurring in the 19th century. Since then, six pandemics have resulted in millions of deaths worldwide. The ongoing seventh pandemic began in South Asia in 1961 and continues to impact populations globally.