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Cholera outbreak reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo
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An outbreak of cholera reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo resulted in more than 350 new cases in the armed conflict area of North Kivu, according to WHO.
Based on the latest available data, 368 new cases were reported to WHO as of early July. The most affected areas include Birambizo, Goma, Karisimbi, Kiroshe, Mutwanga, Mweso and Rwanguba.
The security situation may increase difficulty in accessing the health care facilities and could increase the number of severe and fatal cases. The current armed conflict in North Kivu, one the five provinces of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo where cholera is endemic, also poses a risk of international spread of the disease to the neighboring countries such as Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda, according to a WHO press release.
Epidemiological investigations have indicated that insufficient access to safe water supply remains the main cause of the epidemic in North Kivu, according to WHO.