Central African Republic on Alert After Deadly Cholera Outbreak

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Bangui: Health Minister Pierre Somse said that the Central African Republic has declared a cholera outbreak after confirming 24 deaths and 197 cases in locations close to the city, Bangui.

The outbreak has been confirmed in the health districts of Bimbo and Mbaiki, southwest of Bangui. Authorities have already implemented containment measures in the affected areas and are stepping up response efforts to neighbouring communities to prevent further spread.

Cholera is a highly contagious waterborne disease that spreads by means of contaminated food or drinking water, causing severe diarrhoea and dehydration. Even though it has been largely eliminated in wealthier countries, it still poses a serious hazard to public health in those with poor access to sanitary facilities and clean water.

Health professionals are looking into the cause of the fifth outbreak in the Central African Republic. The previous outbreak in 2016 resulted in almost 500 illnesses and 23 deaths. ‘The government remains fully mobilised to contain this outbreak,’ Somse added, asking locals to follow health standards and preventive measures. The country is also on high alert due to an Ebola epidemic in the adjacent Democratic Republic of Congo.