An outbreak of cholera in northern Cameroon has resulted in more than 1,000 cases and at least 28 deaths since mid-July, according to health authorities.
The outbreak has added strain to the healthcare facilities in the area, as a lack of clean water and poor sanitation is making it difficult for health authorities to control the disease.
The medical teams are now busy trying to identify the cases and isolating the patients as well as raising hygiene awareness before the rains increase.
More than 1,000 Cholera Cases Recorded in Northern Cameroon
More than 1,000 suspected and confirmed cholera cases have been recorded in an outbreak in northern Cameroon since mid-July.
At least 28 people have died in the outbreak.
The intervention efforts are taking place in the districts of Fotokol, Mada, Makary, and Kolofata in collaboration with Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders).
Medical interventions include early detection and treatment of those infected, and preventing the spread of infection in the community.
Mora Hospital Deals With Increasing Numbers of Patients
Mora District Hospital is one of the institutions that have stepped up their efforts to deal with the cholera outbreak.
According to Amine Ozong Kavaye, general supervisor at the Mora Cholera Treatment Centre, the institution had its first case on July 18. The patient was a three-year-old child from Aïssa.
The treatment center has recorded a total of 25 cases. Nine cases were found to be negative during rapid diagnostic tests, while there has been one death.
Two cases are currently hospitalized, while the treatment center admits one to two cases per day.
Treatment Centers Separate Suspected Cholera Cases
Health workers in Mora have put in place some additional measures in order to prevent the infection from spreading to other patients in medical facilities.
Three tents have been erected in order to separate the suspected cases from patients under treatment.
The testing is done in preparation for transfer to specialized facilities for those who test positive for cholera.
This is to ensure that transmission of the disease does not occur among the patients, health workers, and visitors but at the same time enable the medical team to treat patients from other communities.
Health Workers Launch Cholera Awareness Campaign in Communities
Preventive measures are now extending beyond hospitals.
There is an ongoing door-to-door campaign in the affected areas by community health workers.
The residents have been advised on how to increase their level of hygiene and sanitation.
They are advised to stop open defecation, keep cleaner surroundings, and practice hygiene in the consumption of food and water.
This is vital during outbreaks because of the rapid transmission of the disease through food and water.
Poor Water and Sanitation Facilities Fuel Outbreak Worry
Health officials are worried about the water and sanitation facilities in northern Cameroon.
Communities with no water supply find it difficult to practice hygiene and sanitation.
The situation gets even more serious as the rains begin to get closer. The heavy rains will cause contamination of water sources, resulting in more water-borne diseases in the areas where there is no proper sanitation system.
It is therefore that the officials are trying to increase surveillance and awareness in the communities before the weather worsens.
Doctors Without Borders to Assist in the Situation
Doctors Without Borders has been assisting in the response in all the affected districts, along with local health officials and medical professionals.
This organization is helping with the control of the disease through the management of cholera as health professionals try to contain the situation.
Community cooperation has been another major part of the response. According to health workers, this is an important factor in lessening the effect of the outbreak.
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