The first death due to Cholera in Mozambique’s cyclone hit city, Beira has been confirmed. The number of cholera disease has jumped to 517. The nation of Mozambique faced Cyclone Idai, the most powerful storm seen over the region since a decade. Cyclone Idai, which hit on March 14, caused massive flooding and killed more than 700 people across southern Africa.
In order to control the outbreak, emergency clinics have been set up across Beira. Cases of the acute diarrheal disease have risen dramatically since the first five cases were confirmed last week. According to WHO, around 900,000 cholera vaccine doses were to arrive
To fight Cholera outbreak, the Chinese government has sent doctors and emergency workers to fight cholera outbreak. Also, Chinese aid workers sprayed anti-cholera disinfectant in parts of the port city.
The U.S. military too has joined the international humanitarian aid efforts to Mozambique by airlifting food and relief supplies from South Africa.
The United States has also provided nearly $3.4 million in additional funding for the World Food Program to deliver approximately 2500 metric tons of rice, peas, and vegetable oil to affected people in Sofala, Zambezia and Manica.
It is likely that 200 cholera cases per day in the city are seen, where relief workers are hurrying to restore the damaged water system and bring in additional medical assistance.
Cholera is a major concern for the hundreds of thousands of cyclone survivors in the southern African nation now living in squalid conditions in camps, schools or damaged homes. Some drink from contaminated wells or filthy, stagnant water.
As health responders stress the need for better disease surveillance, the United Nations' deputy humanitarian coordinator in Mozambique, Sebastian Rhodes Stampa, has said all cases of diarrhea are being treated as though they are cholera.
Other suspected cholera cases have been reported outside Beira in the badly hit areas of Buzi, Tica and Nhamathanda but the chance of spread in rural areas is smaller because people are more dispersed.
Also Read: Aftermath of Storm Idai: Potential outbreak of Cholera in Mozambique
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