the number of cholera cases has doubled, a new medical unit has opened

The number of cholera cases in Mayotte has now reached 26, the prefecture and the regional health agency said on Sunday, adding that a new “cholera ward” had opened at the health centre. “Since the start of the cholera alert, 26 cases have been confirmed,” states a press release from the Mayotte prefecture and the Regional Health Agency. The previous report reported 13 cases on Friday.

“Taking into account the situation and to ensure the care of all patients, the Regional Health Agency and the Mayotte Hospital Center have decided to open a second cholera ward” at the Dzumonje Health Referral Center starting today. center. The first ward, which can accommodate a maximum of 14 people at the Mayotte Hospital Centre, can no longer accept new patients.

Shortage of caregivers

In anticipation of the arrival of future reinforcements, the Mayotte Hospital Center is concentrating its staff on the treatment of cholera. There is actually a shortage of teachers in the region. According to Olivier Braic, Director General of ARS, “the situation at the Mayotte Hospital Center in terms of human resources remains very critical, especially in the emergency department.”

On Friday, the first three cases of “local” cholera were detected in Kungu, north of Mamoudzou. Previously, ten imported cases had been reported since mid-March among people arriving, in particular, from the neighboring Comoros Islands.

Vaccination operations

To contain and reduce the risk in Kungu commune, the Regional Health Agency has strengthened its local activities and established a screening and counseling center.

“Vaccination operations are also being organized locally,” clarifies ARS, which at the same time continues its medical raids to ensure widespread dissemination of recommendations and direct people to vaccination and screening systems.

“The epidemic is spreading without real control in densely populated areas of the Mamoudzou-Kungou urban region, especially in slums lacking the most basic public sanitation conditions,” the LR MP from Mayotte alarmed in a press release. ., Mansour Kamardin, recalling that “there are still restrictions on access to running water throughout Mayotte.” The MP, in particular, demands “a general vaccination plan (voluntary vaccination) accessible to everyone, especially children and vulnerable people.”