In Cameroon, cholera affects eight regions, already 420 dead
The epidemic triggered in October 2021 in some regions is progressing in the country. Despite the assurances of the health authorities, fear is taking hold of the population.
The signals are red. The cholera vibrion rode. Cholera causes many victims. And the figures are alarming along the epidemiological belt. It includes eight regions.
At the national level, health authorities record more than 18,000 confirmed cases, including 420 deaths in all affected areas. The case fatality rate is 2.3% to date. Regionally, the Centre is the most affected region with at least 93 deaths out of 2,000 confirmed cases. The Northwest and Adamaoua still escape the influence of the epidemic.
Reasons may explain this rapid progression of the disease. In most wetlands, the rains have been back since March. Water pools, the rise of rivers and unsanitary conditions in urban areas promote the transport of disease vectors. The negligence of some people due to ineffective sensitization is added to the non-exhaustive list of germ circulation routes. The practice of hiding patients in community for fear of their isolation once these cases are reported cannot go unnoticed. Nevertheless, faced with this persistent situation, the health authorities say they have activated the response. Developed hospital centres provide free care for patients. The epidemiological surveillance system is in place in communities and health facilities.
It makes it possible to detect patients with cholera symptoms and refer them to the management centres. They benefit, among other things, from oral or venous rehydration. The Cameroonian population is called upon to observe hygiene measures even more and to move towards health facilities in the event of diarrhoea and vomiting.
