The ongoing cholera outbreak in Cameroon has claimed the lives of an additional 26 individuals in the last two weeks, according to a health ministry official, bringing the total death toll to 426.
According to the World Health Organisation, the outbreak was notified in October 2021 and has witnessed a significant spike in cases since late March of this year after minimal transmission.
A ministry spokeswoman named Linda Esso reported that there are already 1,868 confirmed cases in Cameroon.
Cholera is typically spread through contaminated food or water and can result in acute diarrhoea, vomiting, and weakness. If left untreated, it can kill within hours. According to a study released by the WHO on Thursday, instances have been reported in 14 African nations since the year 2023 began.
It claimed that the higher case fatality ratios reported by numerous countries than in prior years concerned it in particular.
According to a situation report seen by Reuters from the health ministry, “more than 79% of cases reach health facilities in a moderate or severe state,” increasing the likelihood that the cases will be fatal.
