Niger - Cholera outbreak 2024

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Tahoua Region
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tahoua_Region
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Cholera epidemic in Tahoua: 160 cases and 6 deaths confirmed as of September 11

Thursday, September 12, 2024 11:09 PM

The cholera epidemic, initially declared in the commune of Karofane, department of Bouza (Tahoua region), with three deaths and more than 40 people infected, has progressed rapidly. As of September 11, 2024, it has reached 160 cases and caused 6 deaths, particularly affecting the health districts of Bouza, Konni and Madaoua since its official confirmation on September 6, 2024. Faced with this alarming situation, the Tahoua Regional Health Committee "One Health" met on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, in the Governorate of Tahoua, to assess the evolution of the epidemic and set up thematic commissions for better management of the health crisis.

During this meeting chaired by the Secretary General of the Governorate, Mr. Yacouba Soukeyradjou, the Regional Director of Public Health, Dr. Abdoul Moumouni Abdoulaye, presented a detailed overview of the epidemic. According to him, the situation in the districts of Bouza, Konni and Madaoua remains worrying, with a notable concentration of cases in integrated health centers (CSI) such as Karofane, Guidan Dan Baki, Takorka, Kankara, Dossey and Mounwadata. Of the 37 samples taken, 12 were confirmed positive for the Vibrio cholerae bacteria , confirming the epidemic.

Dr. Abdoul Moumouni stressed that health authorities have made considerable efforts to contain the spread of the disease. However, challenges persist, particularly regarding the supply of medicines and the difficulties of travel to reach some affected sites. He also warned of the exhaustion of available resources if the situation continues to worsen. “ We have the means at hand for the moment, but if the epidemic persists, we risk not being able to hold on ,” he warned, while launching an urgent appeal to partners for additional support.

In addition, the Regional Director of Public Health stressed the need to raise awareness among the population about the mechanisms of cholera transmission, recalling that the disease is mainly spread through contaminated water and poorly washed food. He urged residents to adopt rigorous hygiene practices, including treating drinking water, avoiding open defecation, and promptly consulting health services in case of symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting.

Finally, Dr Abdoul Moumouni Abdoulaye requested the support of the media in this awareness campaign in order to prevent a wider spread of the epidemic and to encourage responsible behavior.

This meeting of the "One Health" Committee marks an important step in the management of this health crisis which is seriously affecting the Tahoua region. The authorities, in collaboration with local and international partners, hope to be able to control the situation and avoid a larger-scale disaster. However, with health districts still potentially vulnerable such as Kéita, Illéla and Abalak, vigilance remains essential to prevent the emergence of new sources of contamination.

actuniger.com with ANP

https://www.actuniger.com/sante-education/20407-epidemie-de-cholera-a-tahoua-160-cas-et-6-deces-confirmes-au-11-septembre.html

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 37: 9 - 15 September 2024
Data as reported by: 17:00; 15 September 2024
...
Niger

Cholera

172 Suspected cases
12 Confirmed cases
6 Deaths
3.5% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Niger is currently facing a cholera outbreak, with the first
case reported by the Ministry of Public Health on August
27, 2024. In epidemiologic week 37 (ending 14 September
2024) alone, the country reported 113 new suspected
cases with no confirmed cases or deaths. Since the onset
of the outbreak in epidemiologic week 35 (ending 31 August
2024) till week 37, there have been a total of 172 suspected
cases, 12 confirmed cases, six deaths and a cumulative
fatality rate of 3.5%.

The cases have been identified in three of 13 health districts
in Tahoa region, namely Bouza, Madaoua and Birni Konni
health districts. Bouza district accounts for the highest
number of cases, 45.0% (78 cases), while 67.0% (4 deaths)
of the deaths were from Madaoua health district.

Gender distribution is equal, with a 1:1 male-to-female ratio.
Children aged 0-14 years constitute 34.3% (59 cases) of
cases, while the remaining cases are distributed across
older age groups; 25% (43 cases) were 15-30 years; 25%
(43 cases) were 31- 60 years; 6.4% (11 cases) were 60
years and above; in 9.3% (16 cases) the gender was not
documented.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

Regular coordination meetings are held with surge
teams and district officials to harmonise response
measures. The Ministry of Health intends to activate
an Incident Management System (IMS) to streamline
emergency response efforts.

Surge teams and emergency medical personnel have
been scheduled for deployment to high-risk areas.

A request for cholera vaccines has been submitted to
the International Coordinating Group

The Ministry of Health has provided specific cholera
surveillance tools, such as case definitions, for
epidemiologic surveillance. There are also active
epidemiological investigations to understand
transmission from cases.

UNICEF and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) have
set up Cholera treatment units in affected districts.
UNICEF has supplied cholera treatment kits to
support case management.

Community volunteers have been trained and
deployed to engage in cholera community
awareness programs and encourage sanitation
and hygiene practices in affected villages.
Targeted behaviour change campaigns are
underway to reduce the spread of cholera.

To reduce contamination risk, the water points
(wells and boreholes) and disinfection of 88
households in Kanfara and Karofane regions
have been treated.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

The cholera outbreak in Niger highlights the country’s
vulnerability to waterborne diseases; this has been
exacerbated by the ongoing rainy season and severe
flooding. Immediate actions such as improving
water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions, community
sensitisation programs, launching cholera vaccination
campaigns, and intensifying surveillance are critical to
controlling the further spread of the cholera outbreak.
...

https://www.afro.who.int/countries/namibia/publication/weekly-bulletin-outbreak-and-other-emergencies-week-37-9-15-september-2024

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Cholera epidemic in Niger: WHO offers immediate support to the country in the management



October 28, 2024

Last September, health authorities in Niger issued an alert in the face of a cholera outbreak resulting in deaths in several localities in the regions of Maradi, Tahoua and Zinder. Immediately, the World Health Organization in Niger deployed teams to support health personnel in the affected areas. This intervention, in synergy with other partners and under the supervision of health district managers, helped contain the epidemic and significantly reduce contamination.

Indeed, thanks to the rapid mobilization of WHO and other partners alongside the health authorities, many patients admitted as emergencies to cholera treatment centers confirm the improvement in their health after receiving appropriate care for a few days. "I was transported to the health center by an ambulance sent by the hospital. It all started when I had diarrhea and vomiting on my way back from the mill, very early in the morning. I received adequate care at the center and I feel good now." says Sabira, a young girl cured of cholera in Karofane.

According to Bachir MAYANA, epidemiologist and WHO consultant in Maradi, the organization's support has greatly helped in early detection, treatment and reduction of deaths from cholera. "WHO not only ensured coordination, advocacy to bring together various actors in crisis management, but also ensured compliance with technical standards and public health measures," he said.

Floods following heavy rainfall in Niger have contributed to the spread of diseases such as malaria and cholera. In response to this cholera outbreak, the organization has stepped up its immediate response efforts to help the country bring the disease under control. The teams deployed have contributed to the identification, establishment and operation of cholera treatment centers (CTCs).

The epidemic began on September 5 in the Tahoua region and in less than 24 hours, the Bouza district officials and its partners, including the WHO, set up the CTC, recalls Ibrahim Mamadou, head of the Karofane CSI in the Tahoua region. "During the first two weeks, we admitted up to 12 patients per day. Thanks to the joint efforts of the health authorities and partners, including the WHO, we were able to contain the epidemic the day after the alert," he noted. "Frankly, the WHO contributed a lot to bring the situation under control, through the acquisition and installation of tarpaulins, the supply of medicines, technical support on infection prevention, community awareness and the treatment of contact subjects and homes of patients." he explains.

In the field, WHO experts have also strengthened the capacities of health personnel to provide better patient care. An acute diarrheal infection caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria following the ingestion of contaminated food or water, cholera is a waterborne disease that can be contagious and fatal. This is why coordinated actions are being implemented to manage reported cases.

Hassia, a woman in her sixties from Sabon Gari, testifies to the effectiveness of the Karofane treatment center: "I came with my daughter Na'Ima, who was very sick. It was in the middle of the night, let's say around dawn. When I arrived, she was very weak, having had diarrhea and vomiting all night. We transported her to the health center with an animal-drawn plow. When we arrived, she fainted. We put her in a tent where only health personnel were allowed and we who were accompanying her took up residence in the shade of the trees, in the courtyard of the district. As she received treatment, her health improved. Now she is cured and we are getting ready to return home."

In addition to technical support, WHO, in collaboration with other partners, has undertaken actions such as chlorination of water points, distribution of PUR/Aquatab tablets, household disinfection, hygiene awareness raising and the installation of handwashing kits followed by demonstration sessions as well as testing of residual chlorine in drinking water. All these measures aimed to raise awareness among communities on the need for hygiene in order to prevent diseases. Through these joint efforts, WHO and its partners continue to play a vital role in the response to the cholera outbreak in Niger, ensuring the safety and well-being of affected communities.

https://www.afro.who.int/fr/countries/niger/news/epidemie-du-cholera-au-niger-loms-offre-un-appui-immediat-au-pays-dans-la-prise-en-charge