Somalia faces cholera epidemic

By Dr. Ananya Mandal, MDAug 15 2011

World Health Organization (WHO) officials announced last Friday that famine-stricken Somalia faces a cholera epidemic as dirty water and poor sanitation are leading to an increase in outbreaks of the disease. The reports reveal cases of acute watery diarrhea - an important indicator of the risk of cholera - are now at 4,272 in Somalia - an 11 percent increase from last week’s WHO reported figure of 3,839.

WHO public health adviser Dr. Michel Yao told reporters in Geneva that the number of cholera cases has also risen sharply this year, with officials confirming 18 cases in the 30 lab samples taken in recent days from people living in the capital, Mogadishu. Yao said the 60 percent infection rate confirms there is a high risk of the disease spreading quickly - “so we can say we have an epidemic.’’

The United States estimates drought and famine in Somalia have killed more than 29,000 children under 5. Millions of people face the risk of starvation amid Somalia’s worst drought in 60 years.

In one hospital in the capital city of Mogadishu, there have been at least 181 people who have died from suspected cholera, according to the WHO. Cholera has taken a heavy toll on children in Somalia, leading to 75% of cholera victims being under the age of five years old.

The United Nations agencies and other private aid groups trying to respond to needs in the region, but are facing limitations in reaching the people who need the most help. In recent weeks, some progress has been made, but there still are some areas that are off-limits. Additionally, more than 100,000 people have fled famine struck areas and are settling in camps that are breeding grounds for measles, cholera, and other diseases.

Cholera is a bacterial infection that infects the small intestines and produces watery diarrhea and vomiting. As a result, cholera victims die from dehydration, while treatment involves methods of hydration and antibiotics against the infection. The World Health Organization says it has already distributed kits to affected areas of Somalia that are capable of treating almost 2,000 severe cases of the disease.