Central African Republic declares cholera epidemic with 197 cases and 24 deaths

This declaration follows the confirmation of 197 cases and 24 deaths in the Bimbo and Mbaïki districts. The country is also facing the threat of Ebola virus disease, further complicating its health situation. Authorities have implemented barrier measures and launched awareness campaigns to limit the spread of cholera, an acute infection caused by consuming contaminated water or food.

This is the fifth cholera epidemic recorded in the history of the Central African Republic, with the previous one occurring in 2016. The government is calling for a general mobilization of health services, partners, and the population to quickly contain the spread of this potentially fatal disease.