Eight health zones in the southern part of North Kivu province are affected by cholera, whooping cough and measles epidemics. According to data provided by the Provincial Health Inspectorate, over 100 cases including 8 deaths have been recorded in these heath zones.
Speaking to Radio Okapi, the provincial physician-inspector described the epidemiological situation as "alarming". He said the cholera cases have mainly occurred in camps for internally displaced people, at Mugunga, Kibati and Rusayo. In Goma, 93 cholera cases including two deaths were recorded last week. The victims are being treated at Buhimba camp. 58 other cases including one death have been reported at Kibati, and 5 deaths at Kiroshe, he said.
Virunga General Hospital in Goma admitted 2 new cholera cases on Monday and 2 more on Tuesday, while the General Hospital of Rutshuru has registered 9 on Monday and 25 on Tuesday. In the Walikale health zone's area of Chabumcha, 14 cases were registered, the latest 12 yesterday. The General Hospital at Masisi has registered 6 new measles cases, and the Military Hospital at Goma one case, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).