Thirteen people have died of cholera in Chad since an outbreak was officially declared in July, the health ministry said on Thursday.
As of Monday, nearly 240 people were known to have been infected.The outbreak affects the northern province of Hadjer Lamis and the capital, N’Djamena, the ministry said.
In total, there were “239 cases nationwide, including 13 deaths… a death rate of 5.4 per cent”, the official bulletin said.
It said 11 of the 13 deaths had occurred in N’Djamena during August.
Around 50,800 people have been vaccinated since the outbreak was declared on July 24.
The first deaths were reported more than a month earlier, on June 13.
Several African countries have reported cholera outbreaks in recent months, including the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Nigeria.
The acute diarrhoeal infection is caused by ingesting bacteria-contaminated food or water.
Although it is easily cured with rehydration salts or antibiotics, it can be fatal within a few hours if left untreated.
Modern wastewater treatment has virtually eradicated the disease in most wealthy countries, but “limited access to safe drinking water and sanitation” in Chad means it remains a challenge, the ministry said.
AFP
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