Mozambique cholera cases double in 48 hours
March 31, 2019
The number of reported cases of cholera in Mozambique has doubled in 48 hours, authorities said.
The disease is spreading as more than a million people struggle to recover from the devastation caused by Cyclone Idai across Mozambique and neighboring countries in southeastern Africa.
Latest developments
- 271 cases of cholera have been reported in the port city of Beira.
- Suspected cases were also reported in the hard-hit areas of Buzi, Tica and Nhamathanda.
- No confirmed deaths from cholera have been reported.
- The preliminary death toll from the storm increased to 501.
Read more: Mozambique cholera outbreak underscores UN warning on extreme weather
Killer bacteria: Cholera is a waterborne disease, endemic to Mozambique, that causes acute diarrhea and can kill in hours if left untreated. It thrives in conditions of poor hygiene and is spread by contaminated food and water.
Damaged infrastructure: Cyclone Idai left vast swathes of land underwater and destroyed vital infrastructure, resulting in catastrophic hygiene conditions for survivors crammed in makeshift camps.
Difficult relief effort: Relief workers are trying to restore the damaged water system and bring in additional medical assistance. Complicating matters, more than 50 health centers in the region were destroyed.
Death toll to increase: A shipment of 900,000 oral cholera vaccines is inbound, thanks to the World Health Organization, to help limit the outbreak. But as water levels recede and the level of destruction is fully revealed, authorities are expecting the death toll to increase.
aw/amp (Reuters, AFP, dpa)
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