Angola Reports Over 20,000 Cholera Cases Since January Amid Outbreak

Since the beginning of the year, Angola has experienced a significant cholera outbreak, surpassing 20,000 confirmed cases and resulting in more than 600 deaths, according to the country's health ministry. The recent daily report indicated that 20,050 cases have been recorded, with 612 fatalities. In the past 24 hours alone, there have been 233 new cases and three deaths. The outbreak primarily affects urban areas, with around one-third of cases concentrated in Luanda province, the capital. The affected individuals range from as young as two years old to centenarians. Cholera, an acute diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, spreads mainly through contaminated water and food. It leads to severe dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle cramps, which can result in death within hours if not promptly treated through oral rehydration and antibiotics. Despite Angola's substantial oil wealth, ongoing challenges related to poor sanitation and infrastructure have facilitated recurrent cholera outbreaks, especially during the rainy season. The current outbreak began in January and has rapidly expanded across most of the country's 21 provinces, emphasizing the urgent need for improved sanitation measures and access to clean water. This persistent health crisis underscores the importance of strengthening public health responses to prevent future outbreaks.