Cholera is a bacterial infection that affects the small intestine, causing severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. The disease is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which is commonly found in contaminated water sources and food.

Cholera outbreaks are most common in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water, and this year has seen a notable increase in new cases around the world.

Democratic Republic of Congo

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), there has been a surge in cholera cases in recent months. As of September 2021, the DRC has reported over 45,000 cholera cases and over 800 deaths.

The outbreak is primarily concentrated in the eastern part of the country, where ongoing conflicts have displaced millions of people and made it difficult to provide basic services like clean water and sanitation. The situation has been exacerbated by heavy rains, which have caused flooding that can spread the disease.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh is another country that has been hit hard by cholera in 2021. The country is prone to cholera outbreaks due to its low-lying geography, poor sanitation, and limited access to clean water.

In the first half of 2021, Bangladesh has reported over 4,000 cholera cases and 50 deaths. Officials say that the actual number of cases is likely much higher, as many people do not seek medical treatment or are unable to access it.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is also experiencing a cholera outbreak in 2021. The country has reported over 3,000 cases and 17 deaths as of August.

The outbreak has been linked to contaminated water sources in urban areas, where many people are living in overcrowded conditions with limited access to clean water and proper sanitation. The government has declared a state of emergency and launched a campaign to provide clean water and hygiene education to affected communities.

Nigeria

Nigeria is another African country that has seen an increase in cholera cases this year. As of September 2021, there have been over 60,000 suspected and confirmed cases and over 1,000 deaths.

The outbreak is largely concentrated in the northern part of the country, where conflict, displacement, and poverty have made it difficult to provide basic services like clean water and sanitation. Heavy rains and flooding have also contributed to the spread of the disease.

India

India has long struggled with cholera outbreaks due to its population density, poor sanitation, and limited access to clean water in some regions. In 2021, the country has reported over 23,000 cholera cases and over 600 deaths.

The outbreak has been concentrated in the states of Bihar and West Bengal, where small outbreaks are not uncommon. Authorities are working to improve sanitation and provide clean water to affected areas.

Haiti

In Haiti, cholera has been a persistent problem since a major outbreak began in 2010. In 2021, there has been a small increase in new cases, with over 1,200 reported as of August.

The country has struggled to improve sanitation and access to clean water after a devastating earthquake in 2010 and a subsequent outbreak of cholera that was linked to United Nations peacekeepers. The ongoing political crisis and economic instability have made it difficult to address these longstanding issues.

Yemen

Yemen is facing the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, and the ongoing conflict has made it difficult to address outbreaks like cholera. In 2021, there has been a small increase in new cases, with over 1,000 reported as of August.

The country has struggled to provide basic services like clean water and sanitation to its citizens, and many people are internally displaced or living in refugee camps with limited access to healthcare.

Somalia

Somalia is another African country that has seen an increase in cholera cases this year. The country has reported over 15,000 cases and 300 deaths as of July.

The outbreak is linked to heavy rains and flooding, which have contaminated water sources and made it difficult to deliver aid to affected areas. The situation is also complicated by ongoing conflict and displacement.

Sudan

Sudan is facing a persistent cholera problem, with outbreaks occurring nearly every year. In 2021, there has been a small increase in new cases, with over 1,300 reported as of August.

The outbreak is linked to contaminated water sources and poor sanitation, which are common issues in many parts of the country. The ongoing political turmoil and economic challenges have made it difficult to address these issues.

Tanzania

Tanzania is another East African country that has experienced an increase in cholera cases this year. The country has reported over 5,000 cases and 35 deaths as of August.

The outbreak is linked to contaminated water sources and poor sanitation in urban areas. The government has launched a campaign to improve hygiene and provide clean water to affected communities.

Conclusion

Cholera outbreaks are a persistent public health problem in many parts of the world, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.

This year has seen an increase in new cases in several countries, including the DRC, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, India, Haiti, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan and Tanzania. Addressing this problem will require a coordinated effort to improve sanitation, provide clean water, and deliver healthcare to affected communities.