Angola’s cholera outbreak is worsening, with over 100 daily cases and 169 patients hospitalized. The Ministry of Health has vaccinated 925,000 individuals and increased the vaccination target to 1,079,476. The outbreak affects many provinces and is particularly dangerous for children aged two to five years.
Angola is currently experiencing a cholera outbreak, with over 100 new cases reported daily. As of Tuesday, the Ministry of Health indicated that there were 169 patients hospitalized across various regions, including Luanda and Cuanza Sul. Despite government interventions, the infection rates remain high and show no signs of decreasing.
In response to the outbreak, health officials have vaccinated over 925,000 individuals. Yet, daily cases continue to rise, prompting the health authorities to revise their vaccination target to 1,079,476 people. Minister of Health Sílvia Lutucuta emphasized that the goal is to contain the outbreak by March, ahead of the rainy season in April, which could exacerbate the situation.
Since the start of the epidemic, 4,235 symptomatic cases have been reported across multiple provinces, including Malanje and Huambo. There have been 150 documented fatalities, predominantly affecting children aged two to five years, with this age group reporting 648 cases and 23 deaths. The situation necessitates urgent public health measures to mitigate further risks.
In summary, Angola is facing a serious cholera outbreak with rising daily cases and a high hospitalization rate. Despite extensive vaccination efforts, the disease continues to spread, particularly among vulnerable populations like young children. The Ministry of Health is actively increasing vaccination targets and implementing strategies to control the outbreak before the upcoming rains.
Original Source: www.plenglish.com