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LUANDA, Angola – The ongoing cholera outbreak in Angola has tragically claimed over 300 lives, with the national death toll reaching 313 as of 6:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, according to the Angolan Ministry of Health. The country has recorded a total of 8,141 cholera cases since the outbreak began in early January.
Thursday alone saw a grim increase of 15 deaths, marking the second-highest single-day toll since the start of the crisis. This surge follows the 17 deaths reported on March 15, highlighting the persistent severity of the outbreak.
For more than 70 days, Angola has grappled with the spread of the waterborne disease, with daily case numbers consistently remaining in the triple digits throughout March. Initially concentrated in the capital city of Luanda and neighboring provinces like Bengo and Icolo e Bengo, the outbreak has now expanded, with significant increases reported in Cuanza Norte and Benguela provinces.
Health Minister Silvia Lutucuta addressed the escalating situation at a press conference in Luanda on Thursday. She reported that 925,026 individuals have been vaccinated, representing 86 percent of the targeted population. Efforts to contain the outbreak also include the establishment of 77 cholera treatment centers in the most affected regions and 64 oral rehydration centers to manage the influx of patients.
Despite the vaccination efforts and the establishment of treatment centers, the continued rise in both cases and deaths indicates the ongoing challenges in controlling the outbreak. The Angolan government continues to urge citizens to practice good hygiene and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of cholera.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided by the Angolan Ministry of Health. The situation is evolving, and figures are subject to change. Readers should consult official sources for the most up-to-date information.
