Published Date: 2012-02-27 13:53:55
Subject: PRO/EAFR> Cholera - Congo DR (02)
Archive Number: 20120227.244407

CHOLERA - DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (02)
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A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org

Date: Tue 21 Feb 2012
Source: News 24, South African Press Association (SAPA) report [edited]
http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Cholera-spreading-in-DRC-20120221


A cholera epidemic has spread to 9 out of 11 provinces in the
Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Nations said on Tuesday
[21 Feb 2012]. The UN said the spread was "worrisome" as the epidemic
had so far killed 644 people and infected 26 000 since January 2011.

"Lack of access to potable water remains the single most important
cause of the recurrent cholera outbreaks," according to a research
note from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN
OCHA). OCHA cited the example of the north eastern city of Bunia,
where over a third of the residents -- more than 100 000 people --
have been cut off from drinking water since the start of the year
[2012]. Conflict in the northern parts of the country continues to
displace thousands of people.

If left untreated the bacterial disease can be lethal, but patients
usually regain full health when they receive early medical attention
and oral rehydration solutions.

[Byline: Shabtai Gold]

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-EAFR
<promed-eafr@promedmail.org>

[The cholera outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues
to spread, fuelled by the same risk factors as noted in earlier
postings. Inadequate access to safe water remains the most critical
factor that is yet to be addressed. The current response has also
been affected by constrained funding.

A map showing the provinces in the Democratic Republic of Congo can
be seen at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_the_Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo.
The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of the country is available
athttp://healthmap.org/r/1koi. - Mod.JFW]

See Also

Cholera - Congo DR 20120129.241575
2011
----
Cholera - Congo DR (14) 20111230.238566
Cholera - Congo DR (13) 20111215.237257
Cholera - Congo DR (12) 20111126.235805
Cholera - Congo DR (11): (Equateur) 20111111.235131
Cholera - Congo DR (10) 20111009.232088
Cholera - Congo DR (09): (Equateur) 20110925.230561
Cholera - Congo DR (08) 20110812.227007
Cholera - Congo DR (07) 20110801.226449
Cholera - Congo DR (06): WHO 20110723.226041
Cholera - Congo DR (05) 20110721.225943
Cholera - Congo DR (04) 20110715.225687
Cholera - Congo DR (03): (Budandu) 20110618.224043
Cholera - Congo DR (02): (Orientale) 20110413.220970
Cholera - Congo DR: (Orientale) 20110327.220252
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