Tanganyika: Cholera epidemic contained in Kabimba through patient care

The cholera epidemic that recently affected Kabimba, a city in the Kalemie territory of Tanganyika, is now under control. Dr. Elie Ngoy, a physician at the Kabimba Reference Hospital, announced the positive development on Thursday, July 9. He attributed the containment to the swift management of patients and the crucial support provided by the Red Cross and the NGO CONCERN.

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On 16 cases, we currently have three cases under treatment. The others have already left the care facilities.

Local health authorities confirmed that the first cholera case was registered on July 4. Since the outbreak began, a total of 16 cases have been identified and treated. Currently, only three patients are still undergoing treatment, while the rest have recovered and been discharged from healthcare facilities.

Investigations by medical teams suggest that the spread of the disease is linked to the consumption of untreated water from Lake Tanganyika, which serves as the primary water source for many Kabimba residents. "All these cases get their drinking water from the lake. That's where we thought the source of contamination was," explained Dr. Ngoy.

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All these cases get their drinking water from the lake. That's where we thought the source of contamination was.

In response, health authorities are urging the population to strengthen hygiene practices to prevent new infections. Dr. Ngoy specifically recommends using water purification products, boiling water when disinfectants are unavailable, and maintaining better sanitation in living environments. He advised, "We call on the people of Kabimba to use products that purify the water they drink. If they don't have chlorine, they must boil the water before consumption. It is necessary to clean the environment, drink treated water, and avoid consuming unheated food and unwashed fruits with clean water."

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We call on the people of Kabimba to use products that purify the water they drink. If they don't have chlorine, they must boil the water before consumption. It is necessary to clean the environment, drink treated water, and avoid consuming unheated food and unwashed fruits with clean water.

Health workers also expressed gratitude for the Red Cross's assistance, particularly in disinfecting the homes of those affected by the illness. "We thank our friends from the Red Cross. They helped us enormously with disinfecting the homes of those affected. As these operations continue, we believe they will further help contain cholera," stated Dr. Ngoy. With the combined efforts of medical teams and humanitarian partners, the health situation in Kabimba appears to be managed. However, authorities remain vigilant and continue awareness campaigns to prevent a resurgence of the epidemic in this part of the Tanganyika province.

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We thank our friends from the Red Cross. They helped us enormously with disinfecting the homes of those affected. As these operations continue, we believe they will further help contain cholera.