Cholera Outbreak Declared in Congo’s Brazzaville Department After Confirmed Cases
Health Authorities Confirm Cholera Cases in Mabamou Island District
The Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Health has officially declared a cholera outbreak in the Mabamou Island health district, located in the Brazzaville Department. This declaration follows laboratory confirmation of two cholera cases among three patients suffering from acute diarrhea. The testing was conducted in collaboration with World Health Organization (WHO) experts.
In an official statement, Health Minister Jean Rosaire Ibara confirmed: “Given these results and in accordance with the International Health Regulations 2025, to which the Republic of Congo is a signatory, the government declares a cholera epidemic in the Mabamou Island health district. To date, we have recorded 103 suspected cases, including 12 probable cases, all of which resulted in fatalities.”
Government Mobilizes Response Teams Amid Growing Concerns
Health authorities have reassured the public that ministry officials and healthcare workers are actively working to contain the outbreak. The government has urged citizens to immediately report any suspected cases to the nearest healthcare facilities.
Cholera, caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, is an acute diarrheal infection that can lead to severe dehydration and death within hours if left untreated. Professor Ibara emphasized the characteristic symptoms, including watery diarrhea resembling “rice water,” which causes rapid loss of fluids and electrolytes from the body.
Transmission and Prevention Measures
The disease primarily spreads through contaminated food and water, as well as via the fecal-oral route. The Congolese government has issued comprehensive prevention guidelines to protect public health:
- Regular and thorough handwashing with clean water and soap or alcohol-based sanitizers
- Consuming only safe drinking water (treated with purification tablets, filters, or chlorine if necessary)
- Proper washing of all food items before consumption
- Eating only well-cooked foods served hot
- Keeping food covered and avoiding raw foods
Public Health Emergency Response
The declaration of the cholera outbreak triggers international health protocols, allowing for coordinated response efforts with global health partners. The high fatality rate among suspected cases (12 deaths out of 12 probable cases) has raised particular concern among health officials.
This outbreak follows similar cholera emergencies across Africa, highlighting ongoing challenges in water sanitation and healthcare infrastructure in many regions. Health experts warn that climate change and population movements may contribute to increased cholera transmission in vulnerable communities.
The Ministry of Health continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide regular updates as the response effort progresses. International health organizations are expected to provide additional support and resources to help contain the outbreak.
This report is based on information from the Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Health. For more details, please refer to the original source.