DRC: Ongoing cholera outbreak spreading in Kinshasa /update 2

Event

Health officials have announced that the ongoing cholera outbreak in Kinshasa is rapidly spreading throughout the city. As of Monday, January 15, at least 531 cases, including 32 associated deaths, have been reported since late November 2017.

Congolese authorities have implemented public health measures to contain the spread of the disease, including opening free treatment centers; however, poor sanitation and lack of access to drinking water, combined with ongoing flooding, are reportedly exacerbating the outbreak. The cholera outbreak is expected to continue to spread throughout Kinshasa in the coming weeks.

Context

Diarrheal diseases are common in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and cholera is currently present in 23 of the country's 26 provinces, with about 55,000 recorded cases and 1190 deaths recorded since January 2017. The worst affected provinces are North Kivu, Haut-Lomami, Tanganyika, Central Congo, Kwilu, Maniema, Mai-Ndombe, and South Kivu.

Cholera, an infectious disease caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, is endemic to the DRC and has become a major public health issue throughout the country. Cholera is typically spread via infected water supplies and induces acute diarrhea leading to severe dehydration, frequently resulting in death. The risk of death is greatest among people with compromised immune systems, such as malnourished children or those living with HIV. However, even among healthy adults, cholera can be fatal within a matter of hours.

Advice

To reduce the risk of contracting cholera, wash hands regularly, drink only bottled or purified water, and avoid eating raw or undercooked foods. Individuals who believe they may have contracted cholera should seek immediate medical attention.