"Between March 3 through October 31, 2022 a cumulative total of 6056 cases including 183 deaths have been reported from 27 of 29 districts in Malawi with active transmission ongoing in 23 districts as of 31 October. The overall case fatality rate (CFR) is 3.0%." - World Health Organisation
The World Health Organisation reports that cholera is endemic in Malawi with seasonal outbreaks occuring during the wet season. Since 1998, cholera cases have been reported in the country with significant morbidity and mortality in affected populations, especially in the southern region, which is low-lying, flat, and prone to flooding during the rainy season.
The agency (WHO) reports that the current outbreak started in March 2022 and has affected 27 of 29 districts of Malawi and represents the largest outbreak reported in the country in the past ten years.
The outbreak is taking place in the context of tropical storm Ana (January 2022) and Cyclone Gombe (March 2022) which caused floods leading to the displacement of a population with low pre-existing immunity that now lacks access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Between 3 March through 31 October 2022, a cumulative total of 6056 cases including 183 deaths have been reported from 27 of 29 districts in Malawi (overall case fatality rate (CFR) 3.0%) with active transmission ongoing in 23 districts as of 31 October.
The five districts accounting for 79% of the reported cases and 68% of the deaths are: Nkhata Bay (1128 cases and 31 deaths), Nkhotakota (811 cases and 40 deaths), Rumphi (783 cases and 13 deaths), Karonga (683 cases and 14 deaths), and Blantyre (650 with 26 deaths), according to the WHO.
The outbreak originated in the Southern region of Malawi with cases reported in Nsanje and Machinga districts. Currently, the most affected districts in Malawi are in the Northern part of the country. The most affected age groups are 21-30 years, and males are disproportionately affected.
Source: WHO Disease Outbreak News. Monday, November 7, 2022. Cholera - Malawi
Related:
Cholera in the African setting
General epidemiology of cholera
WHO: Partners commit to reduce cholera deaths by 90% by 2030
Posted: November 10, 2022
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