Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Health has confirmed a cholera outbreak in Vridi Akobrakre, a coastal village on the southern outskirts of the capital, Abidjan. The outbreak has so far infected 45 people and resulted in seven deaths.
Professor Kouadio Daniel Ekra, Director General of the National Institute of Public Hygiene, addressed the media on Thursday, assuring the public that the situation has been brought under control. “We have gone four consecutive days without recording any new infections,” he said, adding that this is a positive sign that the outbreak has been contained.
All of the reported deaths occurred within the first two days of the outbreak, with five fatalities registered on May 25, the day the outbreak was first officially reported. Health officials believe the early spike in deaths was due to the delay in initial medical response and the community’s limited access to clean water and sanitation at the time.
To prevent further spread of the disease, the Ministry of Health has swiftly implemented a range of emergency measures. These include providing free treatment to those infected, distributing clean drinking water to residents, and supplying hygiene kits to households in the affected area. These actions are part of a broader public health campaign aimed at improving sanitation and raising awareness about cholera prevention.
Cholera, a bacterial disease typically spread through contaminated water, can cause severe dehydration and death if not treated promptly. Outbreaks tend to occur in areas with poor water infrastructure and limited access to healthcare, especially during the rainy season.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, and the government is urging residents to observe strict hygiene practices and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms arise.