DRCongo: Cholera epidemic continues to rage in Kwilu province

According to provincial health authorities in Kwilu province, in western Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), 419 cases of cholera, including 30 deaths, have been recorded since the beginning of June in four health zones.

Following Bandundu and Kikongo, the health zones of Mokala and Ipamu have also recorded cases of cholera. To date, the outbreak remains active in these two zones, while no new cases have been reported in Bandundu and Kikongo.

In the Bandundu health zone, 212 cases have been reported, including 14 deaths. More than 198 people who received care have been declared recovered and discharged from health facilities.

In Kikongo, 166 cases have been recorded, including 8 deaths. More than one hundred patients have also been declared recovered, while no new cases are currently reported in this health zone.

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However, the situation remains worrying in Mokala and Ipamu, where health teams are continuing interventions to contain the spread of the disease.

According to health authorities, the consumption of unsafe water from the Kasai River is one of the main factors contributing to the transmission of cholera in the region.

Water chlorination is among the main measures taken in the affected areas. Operations are being carried out in Piopio and Panu, in the Mokala health zone, and in Kinkole, in the Ipamu health zone.

Cholera: A significant global health concern

The response to this epidemic is supported by both the central government and the Kwilu provincial government. Water treatment supplies, personal protective equipment for healthcare workers, and disinfection equipment for infected sites have been provided to the teams involved in combating the epidemic.

According to the Africa CDC, since the beginning of the year, more than 33,000 total cases and 943 deaths.