At Least 19 Die over Cholera Outbreak in Puntland, Health Officials Say

GOOBJOOG NEWS | PUNTLAND: At least 19 people including several children have died due to an outbreak of cholera in Puntland region, officials say.

The officials add that the outbreak which was first reported at an IDP camp at Garowe in February, has also led to the hospitalization of 300 others.

Medical officials at the semi-autonomous region said the disease has been spreading rapidly, overwhelming medical facilities which are struggling to cope with the high number of patients, mostly children who are seeking medical attention from the outbreak.   

The officials said that efforts have been intensified to implement stringent hygiene protocols meant to curb the spread of the disease.

Speaking to journalists Tuesday, Nungal region health coordinator Dr. Mohamed Jama Hirsi said that quarantine centers have been established for those who have contracted the disease.

“Our priority at the moment is to ensure immediate treatment for the affected individuals and to implement preventive measures to halt the spread of cholera in Garowe,” he said.

Cholera, a highly contagious bacterial infection, is characterized by severe diarrhea and dehydration, often fatal if not promptly treated.

Environments lacking proper sanitation and access to clean water, such as IDP camps, are particularly vulnerable to cholera outbreaks due to the conducive conditions for the disease’s transmission.