Angola's cholera outbreak situation

From 19 February to 8 May 2006, Angola has reported a total of 30,612 cases of cholera and 1,156 deaths, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 4%. On 8 May the country reported 581 new cholera cases in 24 hours at national level. Some five more provinces have reported between 3 and 155 cases, with a CFR ranging from 1 -3 3%. The outbreak was first detected in the Luanda district of Boa Vista on 13 February and the capital, Luanda, has been hardest-hit by the epid emic. The peak of the outbreak occurred three weeks ago in Benguela and Bengo provinces. Control activities have been a challenge in view of the precarious water and sanitation situation, particularly in poor communities in urban areas. Heavy rains compounded the situation where living conditions are poor, sanitation facilities are depleted and supply of clean water is insufficient.