Cholera outbreak worsens in Masisi territory, eastern DR Congo
Nearly 400 cases and dozens of deaths have been recorded in the Katoyi health zone since mid-September.
Cholera is spreading in the Katoyi health zone of Masisi territory in North Kivu province. A woman and a child died on the night of Wednesday to Thursday, 12 November, at the Mangere health centre. Since the outbreak began in mid-September, nearly 400 cases and several dozen deaths have been recorded in the zone, which already faces insecurity and serious shortages of medical supplies.
Health facilities report a steady stream of new patients with acute diarrhoea and severe vomiting. Local health authorities say at least six health areas are affected, including Mangere, Biolo, Kirambo, Kikoma and Mahya. Health services have recorded at least 15 cholera deaths in the past six days across the affected localities.
17 cartons of intravenous fluids and other medical supplies were sent to the region, but the zone's chief doctor says they have been stuck for two weeks in Luke because of insecurity and the isolation of this part of Masisi. Health officials fear the situation will worsen in the coming weeks if treatment capacity is not reinforced.
Why it mattersPatients at the centres in the six affected health areas are waiting on treatment supplies that have been stuck in Luke for two weeks.