Cholera outbreak in Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo nears 400 cases
The Republic of Congo’s second largest city, Pointe-Noire, is experiencing a cholera outbreak , which to date has infected at least 389 and killed 10, according to a Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN) report today.
Republic of Congo
Image/CIA
Officials say an influx of immigrants to the area, heavy reains and sanitation issues are exacerbating the situation.
The Mayor of Pointe-Noire, Roland Bouiti Viaudo says, “People build and settle in prohibited areas, including [around] sewers, blocking the free flow of wastewater, which explains the repeated outbreaks of cholera,” he told IRIN. “To stop the disease… everyone – the authorities, NGOs and communities – should mobilize and become aware of this danger.”
Of the 389 individuals infected, 32 are still being hospitalized for their illness.
Cholera is a bacterial disease that can cause diarrhea and dehydration. Cholera is most often spread through the ingestion of contaminated food or drinking water. Water may be contaminated by the feces of an infected person or by untreated sewage. Food is often contaminated by water containing cholera bacteria or by being handled by a person ill with cholera.
For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page
Looking for a job in health care? Check here to see what’s available
