Worrying cholera outbreak in southern Africa Is a Russian attack on Europe closer than we think? What speaks for it

The UN children’s agency Unicef ​​for Eastern and Southern Africa has raised the alarm about the cholera epidemic that has been raging in the region for months. It is one of the worst outbreaks in years, says UNICEF regional director Etleva Kadilli.

By mid-January, approximately 200,000 cases of illness and more than 3,000 deaths had been reported in the thirteen affected countries. The situation is particularly difficult in Zambia, where nine out of ten provinces have been affected by the cholera outbreak. More than half of the patients are children under the age of 15. The country has just received 1.4 million doses of oral vaccine against the life-threatening disease. In Zimbabwe, there are cases in all provinces of the country, according to UNICEF.

The epidemic is putting pressure on the health care systems of affected countries and highlighting the weaknesses of hygiene infrastructure, Kadilli said. Cholera is caused by a bacterium and is mainly spread through contaminated drinking water. Heavy rainfall, caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon, has worsened the drinking water situation in several countries in the region in recent months.

Impact on education

The impact of the epidemic on children does not only affect their health, Kadilli said, referring to the situation in schools. “Learning loss is a cause for great concern.” In Zambia, for example, schools will remain closed after the Christmas holidays until January 29 to prevent the risk of infection. The protection of children against infectious diseases in schools must be improved, Kadilli said.

Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which produces a toxin in the intestines. Drinking water contaminated with feces or vomit from sick people, as well as contaminated food, contribute to the spread. Many infections have no symptoms. But in severe cases, the severe fluid and salt loss can lead to circulatory collapse, muscle cramps, and even shock and death within hours. (saw/sda/dpa)