What caused the cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe?
The 2008 cholera outbreak was caused by widespread infection with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae which is spread through water contaminated with the feces of infected individuals. Cholera had been seen in Zimbabwe in the decade leading up to the 2008 outbreak.
Is there cholera in Zimbabwe?
Africa sees a large number of these cases with 17 countries affected by cholera with over 150,000 cases, resulting in 3000 deaths. Zimbabwe is among those impacted by the scourge of cholera with outbreaks following a somewhat cyclical pattern, coinciding with the rain season.
Does South Africa have cholera?
There have been four laboratory-confirmed cases of cholera in South Africa since the Zimbabwean outbreak began. In October, two cases were diagnosed in Gauteng Province (a traveller who returned from Zimbabwe, and her spouse).
When did cholera start in Zimbabwe?
The 2018–2019 Zimbabwe cholera outbreak began on 1 September 2018, and the last reported case occurred on 12 March 2019. The Zimbabwean government declared a national emergency on 6 September 2018.
What are the main causes of cholera?
Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. People can get sick when they swallow food or water contaminated with cholera bacteria. The infection is often mild or without symptoms, but can sometimes be severe and life-threatening.
What are the effects of cholera outbreak in the community?
Cholera infection is often mild or without symptoms, but can be severe. Approximately 1 in 10 people who get sick with cholera will develop severe symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, and leg cramps. In these people, rapid loss of body fluids leads to dehydration and shock.
When was the most recent outbreak of cholera?
Seven cholera pandemics have occurred in the past 200 years, with the first pandemic originating in India in 1817. Additionally, there have been many documented cholera outbreaks, such as a 1991–1994 outbreak in South America and, more recently, the 2016–2021 Yemen cholera outbreak.
When was the last cholera outbreak in South Africa?
Background. A total of 720 Vibrio cholerae O1 strains were recovered for investigation from an outbreak of cholera in South Africa between November 2008 and April 2009.
Why does cholera take on epidemic proportions in South Africa?
South African statistics explain a good deal of the danger of a cholera epidemic. Around 80% of poor people have no running water, and a higher proportion have no toilets. In KwaZulu-Natal at least one million people do not have access to adequate sanitation; in the country as a whole this figure is around 18 million.
How is cholera prevented?
Five Basic Cholera Prevention Steps
- Make sure to drink and use safe water to brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, and make ice.
- Wash your hands often with soap and safe water*
- Use latrines or bury your poop; do not poop in any body of water.
- Cook food well (especially seafood), keep it covered, and eat it hot.
WHO cholera affects?
Cholera affects both children and adults and can kill within hours if untreated. Most people infected with V. cholerae do not develop any symptoms, although the bacteria are present in their faeces for 1-10 days after infection and are shed back into the environment, potentially infecting other people.
How many people died from cholera in Zimbabwe?
The cholera outbreak in Harare was declared by the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) of Zimbabwe on 6 September 2018 and notified to WHO on the same day. As of 3 October 2018, 8535 cumulative cases, including 163 laboratory-confirmed cases, and 50 deaths have been reported (case fatality rate: 0.6%).
Why is cholera more common in Africa?
The region is broadly affected by many cholera cases and outbreaks that can spread across countries . The percentage of people who die from reported cholera cases remains higher in Africa than elsewhere. This reflects the lack of access to basic health care because of cholera’s simple treatment of rehydration therapy .
Is there a public database of cholera cases?
The World Health Organization (WHO) maintains a public database of cholera cases. It also provides outbreak updates and an annual summary of aggregate national data in the Weekly Epidemiological Record.
What contributed to the rapid spread of the 2008 cholera outbreak?
This contributed to the rapid spread of the cholera outbreak. The 2008 cholera outbreak was caused by widespread infection with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae which is spread through water contaminated with the feces of infected individuals. Cholera had been seen in Zimbabwe in the decade leading up to the 2008 outbreak.