Cholera: 129 cases and 14 deaths recorded in Mbandaka
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Actualité.cd
Wikimedia Commons · Usage libreThe cholera outbreak has reached 129 cases and caused 14 deaths in the Wangata and Bolenge health zones in Mbandaka, while 68 patients have recovered. Bolenge accounts for 104 cases and treatment centres are still caring for 41 patients, according to the Equateur Provincial Health Division.
The cholera outbreak in the Wangata and Bolenge health zones in Mbandaka has killed 14 people among 129 recorded cases, according to an epidemiological bulletin published on Friday 30 October by the Equateur Provincial Health Division. The provisional toll also reports 68 recoveries.
Eleven of the deaths occurred in the community and three at cholera treatment centres, according to health officials. Bolenge, the epicentre of the outbreak, has recorded 104 cases, while 77 have been reported in Wangata; 16 patients from Bolenge were transferred to the Wangata centre, which is treating 41 patients.
Health authorities link the spread to the docking of three boats from Maluku and Kingabwa, in Kinshasa, travelling towards Kisangani, Mbandaka and Basankusu. About 100 of the roughly 800 passengers are said to have shown symptoms consistent with cholera. The HB Hanawa boat arrived in Mbandaka a week before the toll was published.
The National Programme for Communication for Health Promotion and the Association of Health Communicators of Africa have stepped up awareness campaigns. Mayor Yves Balo urged people to wash their hands with soap, avoid physical greetings, disinfect motorcycle taxis that have carried patients, and treat or boil drinking water.
