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Cholera remains a major health issue in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Almost 17 000 cases have been recorded in 2011.
Cholera is endemic in four provinces; Katanga, Maniema, North Kivu and South Kivu. Around 9357 cholera cases and 77 deaths have been recorded in these areas in 2011. Cholera is particularly common in areas like the town of Goma where the local population use water from Lake Kivu.
The current outbreak in the west of the country began in March 2011, in Kisangani, Orientale province and spread via the River Congo to Bandundu, Equateur and Kinshasa provinces. Around 7306 cases and 404 deaths have been reported from the four provinces. The outbreak is under control in Bandundu and Kisangani areas but is still a problem in Kinshasa and Equateur because of the current rains.
The Ministry of Public Health is working with WHO to plan a long-term strategy to reduce further cholera outbreaks.
(Via ReliefWeb report - accessed 24/10/11)
Advice for Travellers
Travellers to outbreak areas who will be mixing closely with the local population and cannot ensure safe drinking water can be immunised against cholera. A high standard of food, water and personal hygiene should also be maintained.
