Cholera Outbreak in Western Ethiopia Leads to 15 Deaths and Over 200 Infections
A cholera outbreak in western Ethiopia has resulted in 15 deaths and over 200 infections this month. The Gambella health bureau’s emergencies manager has urged for additional medical supplies. Cholera cases are rising across several African regions, with the WHO reporting a 13% increase this year compared to last, stressing the disease’s threat despite being preventable and treatable.
A cholera outbreak in western Ethiopia has resulted in 15 deaths and over 200 infections in February, according to Nigiw Gillo, an emergencies manager at the Gambella regional health bureau. The health official has reported 234 confirmed cases and emphasized the need for more medicine to combat the increasing crisis. Gillo stated, “The situation is not yet under control, and we don’t have enough medication currently, and we are asking our partners to provide.”
Multiple regions in Ethiopia as well as several African countries, including Sudan and Angola, have faced cholera cases recently. Cholera is an infectious disease leading to severe diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle cramps, typically contracted through contaminated food or water. The WHO reports an alarming 13% increase in cholera cases in 2023 compared to 2022, indicating a continuing public health challenge.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted that cholera resulted in approximately 4,000 deaths at its peak in 2024, despite the disease being preventable and easily treatable. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the extensive impact of cholera, stating that more than 70% of deaths from the disease could be avoided with appropriate measures. Immediate action and support from global health partners are vital to address this ongoing crisis in the affected regions.
The cholera outbreak in western Ethiopia has escalated, leading to multiple fatalities and a significant number of infections. The regional health authorities are urgently requesting medical assistance to manage the outbreak effectively. With rising case numbers across several African nations, concerted global efforts from health organizations are essential to mitigate the impacts of cholera and prevent further deaths.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
