Death toll rises to six and cases to 160 in Niger cholera outbreak

September 13 (EUROPA PRESS) –

The death toll from the cholera outbreak in the Tahoua region of Niger has risen to six, bringing the total to 160 cases, despite authorities having recently indicated that the situation had been contained with the sanitary measures put in place in the area.

According to information gathered by the Nigerien news portal Actu Niger, the outbreak, which began in the commune of Karofane, has already affected the health districts of Bouza, Konny and Madaoua, prompting the regional director of Public Health, Abdoul Moumouni Abdoulaye, to acknowledge that the situation is “worrying”.

In this regard, he said that the authorities are making efforts to contain the outbreak and warned that “if the epidemic continues, there is a risk that it will not be able to remain under control,” which is why he called for additional efforts to combat cholera.

Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacillus Vibrio cholerae that can cause death within hours if left untreated, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The international organization highlights on its website that cholera is a “disease of poverty” that “affects people with insufficient access to drinking water and a basic sanitation system,” while stating that “conflicts, unplanned urbanization and climate change increase the risk of cholera.”