The Africa CDC warned reporters in a briefing on Thursday that the continent is witnessing the greatest cholera outbreak in 25 years, blaming the increase on poor water infrastructure and warfare. According to the Africa CDC, there have been around 300,000 confirmed and suspected cases of cholera, as well as over 7,000 deaths. The data reveal a more than 30% increase in the total number of cases reported last year.
CDC data revealed incidences in Angola and Burundi have increased in recent weeks, owing to a lack of clean drinking water access. Cholera is a serious, sometimes fatal diarrhoeal disease that spreads rapidly when sewage and drinking water are not properly cleansed.
The Africa CDC said that the outbreak in Congo appeared to be under control, with overall cases falling. The situation in conflict-affected countries remained worrying, as the disease spreads swiftly in congested camps with poor sanitation.
The situation has also improved in South Sudan and Somalia. The Africa CDC said that Ethiopia has identified eight possible instances of viral hemorrhagic fever and is awaiting results to confirm the specific etiology of the sickness. Rapid response teams have been sent to contain the probable epidemic.
Africa CDC stated that the Mpox outbreak is reducing in some of the worst-hit areas but remains a worry in Kenya, Guinea, Liberia, and Ghana.
