WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
Week 43: 21 to 27 October 2024
Data as reported by: 17:00; 27 October 2024
...
Malawi
Cholera
67 Cases
2 Deaths
3.0% CFR
EVENT DESCRIPTION
The ongoing cholera outbreak in Malawi started on 26 August
2024. Sporadic cholera cases were initially reported in two
districts of Lilongwe and Machinga in the central and southern
regions of the country, respectively. On 9 September 2024,
Chitipa district in the northern region reported its first case
of a 5-year-old male child, which was confirmed positive for
Vibrio cholerae on 10 September 2024.
A new cholera outbreak was declared in four out of 29
districts, including Karonga district, also in the northern
party. In Epidemiological week 41 of 2024, from 6 October
to 13 October 2024, Malawi reported 10 new cholera cases,
up from six cases in the previous week, a 66.6% increase. In
week 41, new cholera cases were reported in two districts,
Chitipa and Karonga in the northern region, with no new
deaths reported.
From the beginning of the outbreak on 26 August 2024,
there have been 67 cumulative cases and two deaths, with
one death happening in Lilongwe and one death reported
in Chitipa, showing a case fatality rate of 3.0%. Of the total
cases, 96.0% were reported in the two northern districts
Malawi, with 46 cases (69.0%) concentrated in Chitipa and
18 cases (27.0%) in Karonga.
The demographic analysis reveals that 61.0% of cases are
male, with the most affected age group being 15–24 years
(24.2% of cases). Chitipa districts remain the most impacted
area, contributing 69.0% of cases, with ongoing local
transmission observed in both Chitipa and Karonga. Recent
cases indicate active transmission, particularly in Chitipa
within Mwaulambya traditional authority.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS
The Malawian government, through the Presidential
Taskforce on Public Health Emergencies, is overseeing
the national cholera response. Coordination is ongoing
with national partners at the district level in the highly
affected district of Chitipa to plan, share information,
and implement cohesive strategies across health and
logistical departments.
Strengthening of surveillance and laboratory is ongoing.
A deep-dive analysis was conducted for affected
districts to identify risk factors and drivers of cholera
transmission.
A refresher training on sample management, testing,
and transport protocols was provided to ensure efficient
laboratory operations and sample integrity.
The Ministry of Health supervised health workers
and provided mentorship at Cholera Treatment
Units in Chitipa district
Upcoming case management training for health
workers is planned in Chitipa and Karonga to
strengthen local healthcare capacity. Standard
operating procedures and treatment guidelines will
also be distributed.
Cholera kits have been distributed to Chitipa and
Karonga, ensuring that treatment supplies are
available where cases are highest.
Risk Communication and Community Engagement
is ongoing to reach affected communities. Interactive
audiovisual shows and mobile van announcements
have been deployed in cholera-reporting districts.
Machinga district received special support for
heightened public awareness of cholera prevention
measures, and broader cholera readiness plans are
being developed as a proactive measure ahead of
the next cholera season.
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Virtual
meetings were held with IPC focal points in Chitipa
district to bolster IPC measures in health facilities
and communities.
The use of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
and IPC checklists was reinforced to ensure that
health workers and community members adhered
to sanitation standards, which were critical for
controlling the outbreak’s spread.
SITUATION INTERPRETATION
The increased number of cases in week 41 suggests a
potential intensification of the outbreak, particularly in
the northern region, underscoring the need for vigilant
monitoring and rapid response in affected areas to
control the spread and address contributing factors
like inadequate access to clean water and sanitation.
Despite these efforts, sufficient funds are lacking to
support ongoing outbreak investigations, laboratory
testing, and sample transportation from remote or
hard-to-reach areas. Social and medical support for
suspected and confirmed cases.
https://www.afro.who.int/publicatio...-other-emergencies-week-43-21-27-october-2024
