Chad: Cholera claims 13 lives, infections rise to 240

The Chadian Ministry of Health announced on Thursday that 13 people have died from cholera since the outbreak was officially declared in July.

The ministry stated in a press release that the number of recorded cases stands at around 240, particularly in the Lac Region in the north and the capital, N’Djamena, noting that the case fatality rate has reached 5.4%.

It added that N’Djamena recorded 11 deaths during August, and approximately 50,800 people have received the cholera vaccine since the start of the immunization campaign following the outbreak declaration.

The ministry pointed out that the first cholera-related death was recorded on June 13, more than a month before the official announcement of the outbreak.

Several African countries have reported cholera outbreaks in recent months, including the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Nigeria.

Cholera is transmitted through the consumption of water or food contaminated with bacteria. Although it is easily treatable with fluid replacement and antibiotics, it can be fatal within hours if the infected person does not receive appropriate treatment.

The ministry explained that modern wastewater treatment systems have effectively eradicated the disease in most wealthy countries, but “limited access to safe drinking water and sanitation services” in Chad continues to pose a persistent challenge.