officials announced that a cholera epidemic has struck Somalia. Additionally, Somalia faces struggles with famine.
Dirty water and poor sanitation have led to the outbreak
According to officials, 4,272 cases of acute watery diarrhea, an indicator of the risk of cholera. The number of cases represents an 11 percent increase from the WHO’s reported figure of 3,839 cases last week.
Famine and war have displaced thousands of refugees into camps, which strain the sanitation situation and hindered hygiene. As a result, the environment for diseases to spread has shown to thrive.
In one hospital in the capital city of Mogadishu, there have been at least 181 people who have died from suspected cholera, according to the WHO. Cholera has taken a heavy toll on children in Somalia, leading to 75% of cholera victims being under the age of five years old.
The WHO public health adviser Dr. Michel Yao informed reporters that the number of cholera cases has sharply increased. Additionally, the 60 percent infection rate confirms there is a “high risk” of infection and spread of the disease.
Already, the U.S. has estimated more than 29,000 children under five years old have died from drought and famine. Today, millions of people still face risks from starvation and effects from drought. This has been the worst drought in Somalia in 60 years.
The United Nations agencies and other private aid groups trying to respond to needs in the region, but are facing limitations in reaching the people who need the most help. In recent weeks, some progress has been made, but there still are some areas that are off-limits. Additionally, more than 100,000 people have fled famine struck areas and are settling in camps that are breeding grounds for measles, cholera, and other diseases.
Cholera is a bacterial infection that infects the small intestines and produces watery diarrhea and vomiting. As a result, cholera victims die from dehydration, while treatment involves methods of hydration.
Dirty water and poor sanitation have led to the outbreak
According to officials, 4,272 cases of acute watery diarrhea, an indicator of the risk of cholera. The number of cases represents an 11 percent increase from the WHO’s reported figure of 3,839 cases last week.
Famine and war have displaced thousands of refugees into camps, which strain the sanitation situation and hindered hygiene. As a result, the environment for diseases to spread has shown to thrive.
In one hospital in the capital city of Mogadishu, there have been at least 181 people who have died from suspected cholera, according to the WHO. Cholera has taken a heavy toll on children in Somalia, leading to 75% of cholera victims being under the age of five years old.
The WHO public health adviser Dr. Michel Yao informed reporters that the number of cholera cases has sharply increased. Additionally, the 60 percent infection rate confirms there is a “high risk” of infection and spread of the disease.
Already, the U.S. has estimated more than 29,000 children under five years old have died from drought and famine. Today, millions of people still face risks from starvation and effects from drought. This has been the worst drought in Somalia in 60 years.
The United Nations agencies and other private aid groups trying to respond to needs in the region, but are facing limitations in reaching the people who need the most help. In recent weeks, some progress has been made, but there still are some areas that are off-limits. Additionally, more than 100,000 people have fled famine struck areas and are settling in camps that are breeding grounds for measles, cholera, and other diseases.
Cholera is a bacterial infection that infects the small intestines and produces watery diarrhea and vomiting. As a result, cholera victims die from dehydration, while treatment involves methods of hydration.
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