HIGHLIGHTS / KEY PRIORITIES
- Cholera cases are showing a downward trend as indicated by 6,460 new cases and 87 deaths (CFR 1.3%) reported from 20 to 31 March 2009 compared to the 20,249 new cases and 153 deaths (CFR 0.75%) reported during the period 6 to 20 March 2009.
- Heavy rains and flooding over most countries already affected by cholera could result in an upsurge of cholera cases in the coming weeks.
REGIONAL CONTEXT
Regionally, the number of cholera cases is showing a downward trend as indicated by 6,460 new cases and 87 deaths (CFR 1.3%) reported from 20 to 31 March 2009 compared to the 20,249 new cases and 153 deaths (CFR 0.75%) reported during the period 6 to 20 March 2009. Despite this downward trend, heavy rainfall and flooding experienced in several countries (Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Madagascar, Malawi and Mozambique) already affected by cholera could result in an upsurge of cholera in the coming one to three weeks, when flood waters subside and become stagnant.
In Zimbabwe, the epidemic appears to be stabilizing, outbreaks in Mashonaland West, Harare city and Chitungwiza, are on the increase in the last three weeks. Approximately, 67% of all reported cases came from Mashonaland West and Harare provinces.
In South Africa and Angola, new areas have reported cholera cases. In South Africa, Limpopo province in the district of Moria, two new cases of cholera were reported during 26 and 29 March 2009 (Epidemiological week 13) respectively. In Angola, cholera has spread to Malange Province, making it the fifth province to be affected. The country has cumulatively registered 5,444 cases and 60 deaths (CFR 1.1%) from 1 January to 28 March 2009.
Disclaimer
- UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
- To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.