Cholera outbreak kills 15 in five days in Chad
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Tchadinfos
A cholera outbreak in Isseirom, near Bol in Lac Province, has killed 15 of 147 people infected over five days. Four teams are treating patients as authorities step up disinfection, contact tracing and capacity, with support from WHO and UNICEF, Tchadinfos reports.
The cholera outbreak declared on 31 October in Isseirom, in Chad’s Lac Province, has killed 15 of 147 people infected over five days, Tchadinfos reports. General Saleh Haggar Tidjani, the government’s chief representative to Lac Province, visited the site on Thursday 5 November to assess the response and speed up the mobilisation of resources.
According to the provincial health delegate, Dr Koulmini Sam, 89 patients have recovered and been allowed to return home, while 43 others are continuing their treatment. Admissions are declining, but four medical teams remain mobilised, with reinforcements from neighbouring health districts.
The authorities have stepped up awareness campaigns, household disinfection and contact tracing. Additional sites are being sought to deal with a possible resurgence, with support from UNICEF and the World Health Organisation. At a crisis meeting, Saleh Haggar Tidjani called for funds already released to reach the teams quickly, particularly to provide food for patients and operate the health response system. He also called for a vaccination campaign to begin once the doses are received.
