Cholera epidemic in Maniema: the toll should already be worrying

In the Kalima health zone, located in the Pangi territory of Maniema, a sinister outbreak of cholera has shaken the community, with nine confirmed cases recorded over the past week. Two of these patients, including a child, sadly succumbed to this devastating disease. The alert was issued by Dr Flory Watuta Kibonge, head doctor of the Kalima health zone, on Saturday 16 September.

Dr Kibonge has identified the origin of this epidemic in the neighbouring territory of Shabunda, in South Kivu, where another cholera outbreak has already been declared. In view of this alarming situation, he is urging the population to remain constantly vigilant, and is calling on the authorities and partners to intervene quickly and effectively.

He stressed the crucial importance of a rapid response to cholera: "We have taken all the necessary measures to equip our health professionals with the appropriate equipment to ensure their protection. I implore the community to remain alert to the clinical signs of cholera and to go immediately to health facilities as soon as the first symptoms appear. Rapid intervention can increase the chances of survival to almost 90 % for patients suffering from diarrhoea. On the other hand, any delay in treatment drastically reduces these chances." he warned.

The symptoms of cholera, such as liquid diarrhoea resembling rice water and vomiting in spurts, must be taken seriously. However, there is still a glimmer of hope: Dr Kibonge has announced that seven of the cholera patients currently hospitalised at the Lubile health centre are showing signs of improvement, demonstrating the need for rapid and effective action to combat this terrible epidemic.