Cholera in Democratic Republic of the Congo: week 6 update

During the week February 4th to 10th, a total of 573 suspected cholera cases were recorded in Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the majority of cases reported from the cholera-endemic provinces of Haut Katanga, Haut Lomami, Tanganyika and South Kivu.

Cholera in Democratic Republic of Congo: week 6 update

During week 6 of 2019 (February 4-10), a total of 573 suspected cholera cases, including related 17 deaths (case fatality rate 3%), were reported in 54 health zones and 12 provinces ofDemocratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The majority of cases were reported in the cholera-endemic provinces of Haut Katanga (219 cases, 0 deaths), Haut Lomami (110 cases, 5 deaths), Tanganyika (84 cases, 10 deaths) and South Kivu (81 cases, 0 deaths), as shown on the map. Efforts need to be strengthened to rapidly contain the cholera outbreaks in non-endemic provinces, such as Kinshasa, and reach the threshold of less than 20 cases in endemic provinces. Community activities should be strengthened including water chlorination, hygiene and cholera prevention awareness, disinfection of case houses and those of nearby neighbors, and active case finding in the community.