WHO on cholera cases in Africa
According to WHO, heavy rainfall in Malawi, as well as its neighbours South Africa and Zambia, is fuelling the spread of the disease.
On Thursday the World Health Organisation said that while cholera cases are falling across Africa, the number of deaths remains stable.
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LESS REPORTED CHOLERA CASES – WHO
The United Nations agency said that over 2880 cases of cholera were recorded across the continent in the week ending on 26 February. That is a 37% decline compared to the previous week.
But the disease has kept claiming lives at a similar rate. 81 cholera deaths were recorded during week the ending on 26 February 26, compared to 82 recorded the week before.
ALSO READ: Health Minister announces first cholera death
RAINFALL FUELLING THE SPREAD OF DISEASE
Several African countries are battling cholera outbreaks, with the southern African nation of Malawi currently suffering its worst-ever epidemic.
According to WHO, heavy rainfall in Malawi, as well as its neighbours South Africa and Zambia, is fuelling the spread of the disease. Medical teams are facing increased difficulties operating in areas where downpours have damaged roads and health infrastructure, for example.
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In Madagascar, The floods caused by tropical cyclones this year have caused flooding and contributed to a spike in malaria cases, according to the WHO. This, according to the organisation is increasing the risk of a cholera outbreak.
Last month, the WHO warned that Africa was suffering an increase in cholera cases.
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Cholera, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting, is contracted from a bacterium that is generally transmitted through contaminated food or water.
FIRST CHOLERA DEATH REPORTED IN SA
On Thursday, 23 February, the Department of Health confirmed the first death linked to cholera. Earlier this month, two sisters from Diepsloot, who had travelled to Johannesburg from Malawi tested positive for Cholera.
When addressing the media on Sunday, Phaahla said the number of imported cases remains at one.
Health Minister Joe Phaahla says that government is on high alert for an outbreak of any new cholera cases.