Mozambique declares cholera outbreak in Quelimane

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Mozambique declares cholera outbreak in Quelimane

1:22 CAT | 24 May 2022

Photo: O País

With 47 people hospitalised, the health authorities of Zambézia, in central Mozambique, this Monday declared an outbreak of cholera in Quelimane, the provincial capital, after three years without the disease.

“Since the outbreak of acute diarrhoeas began in the city of Quelimane, we have seen a total of 47 patients hospitalised. These results confirm that we are facing a cholera outbreak,” Provincial Director of Health Services Óscar Haward told journalists at a press conference.

In April, health authorities in Zambézia announced the registration of 14 cases of cholera.

“No deaths have been recorded,” Haward added, asking that preventive measures be taken, since “diarrhoea can kill in a few hours if left untreated”.

“In case of symptoms, immediately take the patient to the nearest hospital unit,” he urged.

In addition to Quelimane, the disease is also hitting Mopeia district, the authorities say.

More cases of cholera

In Sofala province, also in central Mozambique, cases of cholera thought to be connected to the consumption of unsafe water after floods in the Zambezi valley were also announced in April.

After the hospital in Maríngue discharged 30 patients hospitalised for cholera since the beginning of the month, the health authorities declared an end to the outbreak there.

“Right now, we have no cases and no deaths,” said Chimbua Vítor, chief physician at the Maríngue District Health, Women and Social Action Service, noting that the last patient was discharged over the weekend.

Cholera, caused, in large part, by the ingestion of food or water contaminated by inadequate sanitation, causes severe diarrhoea, which is treatable, but which can cause death from dehydration if not promptly addressed.

Source: Deutsche Welle