Published Date: 2011-05-02 14:38:27
Subject: PRO/EAFR> Cholera - Cameroon: nationwide update
Archive Number: 20110502.221659

CHOLERA - CAMEROON: NATIONWIDE UPDATE
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International Society for Infectious Diseases
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Date: Sun 1 May 2011
Source: AlertNet [edited]
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/cholera-crisis-deepens-in-cameroon

A deadly cholera outbreak in Cameroon could infect up to 10 000, warns children's charity Plan International. Cases in the worst affected central region of the West African country rose by 50 per cent in just one week.

Overstretched clinics have run out of beds, with weak patients treated on wooden benches. "It's important that we deal with the immediate crisis but also long-term needs," says Plan's disaster response coordinator Dr Unni Krishnan.

Nearly 4600 cases have been reported nationwide, with 156 deaths. Health experts fear cases of the highly infectious waterborne disease may rise further with the start of the rainy season next month [June 2011].

Cases in the central region went from 1001 to 1564 in a week and now stand at 1859, claiming 73 lives. "There is a sense of urgency with cholera," says Dr Krishnan. "After an earthquake, you can take years to clear rubble, but with cholera, it's a race against time. What you do and what you don't do have a direct impact on saving lives; an appropriate response is absolutely crucial."

Plan is deploying a specialist team to Cameroon and has already launched a GBP 120 000 [USD 200 500] response. Initial work has included providing clean water and disinfectant kits containing bleaches and sprays to 600 volunteers. The charity will also work on school latrines and hygiene training for teachers in a bid to halt the spread of the disease.

Plan also worked with the Cameroon government during the country's last cholera outbreak in September [2010] that claimed 200 lives. "Dealing with cholera is not rocket science," says Dr Krishnan. "Good hygiene and public health messages can go a long way to reduce deaths. Children are particularly vulnerable," adds Dr Krishnan. "Yet simple measures can save lives."

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Communicated by:
ProMED-EAFR
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[Cholera is once again ravaging Cameroon following the devastating outbreak reported last year [2010]. The current trends indicate that the outbreak could escalate if a comprehensive response is not initiated in time to address the inadequacies in access to safe water, sanitation facilities as well as personal and food hygiene. The National authorities, therefore, need to work together to initiate a coordinated response to control the current outbreak.

An interactive map showing the regions of Cameroon can be accessed athttp://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/africa/cameroon_pol98.jpg. The HealthMap/ProMED mail interactive map of Cameroon can be accessed athttp://healthmap.org/r/05Xt. - Mod.JFW]

See Also

Cholera - Zimbabwe (06): (Manicaland) to be archived
Cholera, diarrhea and dysentery (02) - Somalia 20110428.221508
Cholera - Congo DR (02): (Orientale) 20110413.220970
Cholera - Zimbabwe (05): (Masvingo, Manicaland) 20110413.220969
Cholera - Nigeria (05): (Taraba) susp. 20110408.220718
Cholera - Zimbabwe (04): (Masvingo) RFI 20110407.220677
Cholera - Zimbabwe (03) 20110127.217664
Cholera - Zimbabwe (02): (Manicaland) 20110116.217208
Cholera - Zimbabwe 2011 (01): Harare 20110108.216929

Additional background information on cholera is available from the general ProMED-mail list. The postings below can be found athttp://www.promedmail.org.

Cholera, diarrhea& dysentery update 2011 (10): Mexico (SI) alert 20110430.1334
Cholera, diarrhea& dysentery update 2011 (09): Africa 20110419.1219
Cholera, diarrhea& dysentery update 2011 (08): Americas, Asia 20110419.1216
Cholera, diarrhea& dysentery update 2011 (07): Haiti, upswing in cases 20110413.1163
Cholera, diarrhea& dysentery update 2011 (06): Americas, Asia 20110404.1040
Cholera, diarrhea& dysentery update 2011 (05): Africa 20110403.1033
Cholera, diarrhea& dysentery update 2011 (04) 20110222.0582
Cholera, diarrhea& dysentery update 2011 (03) 20110128.0333
Cholera, diarrhea& dysentery update 2011 (02) 20110118.0215
Cholera, diarrhea& dysentery update 2011 20110109.0101
2010
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Cholera, diarrhea& dysentery update 2010 (30) 20101231.4608
Cholera, diarrhea& dysentery update 2010 (27) 20101109.4060
Cholera, diarrhea& dysentery update 2010 (13): Africa 20100807.2695
Cholera, diarrhea& dysentery update 2010 (05): Asia, Africa 20100219.0573
Cholera, diarrhea& dysentery update 2010 (04): Africa 20100216.0550
Cholera, diarrhea& dysentery update 2010 (02): Africa 20100208.0428
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