A cholera outbreak in western Ethiopia has resulted in 15 deaths and over 200 infections this month. WHO notes a rising trend in cholera cases, with significant mortality rates despite the disease being preventable and treatable. Urgent appeals for medical supplies underscore the current public health challenges faced in the region.
In western Ethiopia, a cholera outbreak has resulted in 15 fatalities and over 200 infections this month, as reported by a regional health official on Friday. The outbreaks have also affected other regions within Ethiopia and neighboring countries, including Sudan and Angola. Nigiw Gillo, an emergencies manager at the Gambella region health bureau, revealed that since February began, there have been 234 documented cases and that the situation remains critical due to a lack of essential medications.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness marked by severe diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle cramps, typically contracted through contaminated food or water, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO also indicated a troubling trend, noting a 13% rise in reported cholera cases in 2023 relative to the previous year, warning that over 70% of cholera-related deaths occur in affected populations.
Despite the preventable nature of cholera, the disease claimed around 4,000 lives in 2024, underscoring a significant public health challenge. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the disease’s treatability yet highlighted ongoing outbreaks that pose risks to vulnerable communities. The Gambella region currently lacks adequate medical supplies to combat this outbreak effectively, prompting appeals for assistance from health partners to support intervention efforts.
The cholera outbreak in western Ethiopia has resulted in a significant number of infections and deaths, indicating urgent health service needs. The increasing trend of cholera cases regionally alarms health organizations, emphasizing the need for effective treatment and prevention strategies. Addressing medication shortages and expanding public health efforts are crucial steps to mitigate the outbreak’s impact and prevent future episodes.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
