Another Cholera outbreak in Somalia

Cholera, is an infectious gastroenteritis caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. People get infected by drinking water or eating food contaminated with the cholera bacterium. The disease can spread rapidly in areas with inadequate treatment of sewage and drinking water. In a common scenario, the disease progresses from the first liquid stool to shock in 4 to 12 hours, with death following in 18 hours to several days without rehydration treatment.

At least 400 people have been affected, and about 70 people have died in a severe outbreak of cholera on Somalian border with Kenya.

Health personnel are helping sufferers on the Kenyan side and spreading information about how the illness can be contracted from dirty water. But on the Somalian side, a few of non-government organizations are unable to provide enough support and fear the situation might get out of control..

Cholera can be simply and successfully treated by immediate replacement of the fluid and salts lost through diarrhea, but, the lack of medical facilities in Gedo is making the situation unbearable.

With repeated wars, droughts and floods in the region, children under the age of 5 have become increasingly less resilient to the disease and local NGO have appealed for international help.

"Today, no country requires proof of cholera vaccination as a condition for entry. The use of the parenteral cholera vaccine has never been recommended by WHO due to its low protective efficacy and the high occurrence of severe adverse reactions. An internationally licensed oral cholera vaccine (OCV) is currently available on the market and is suitable for travellers. This vaccine was proven safe and effective (85–90% after six months in all age groups, declining to 62% at one year among adults) and is available for individuals aged two years and above." - World Health Organization