Cameroon officials have closed down markets in a bid to contain the spread of cholera infections that have affected all ten regions of the country. The government is reporting over 20,000 infections, but with the majority of the country’s population not attending hospitals for treatment the figures may be much higher. Sanitation workers are now disinfecting toilets, pits, and septic tanks while markets are closing down to control the spread of cholera. One market, for instance, that sees at least 5,000 merchants and buyers each day, the Acacia market in Yaounde’s Sixth district, has already been sealed off.
Catherine Mubah Tatah, a worker in the district, has stated that a majority of Cameroonians do not follow basic cholera prevention steps such as boiling water before drinking, regular cleaning or disinfecting of toilets, stopping open defecation, and washing all fruits before selling and consuming them. The ongoing heavy rains in Yaounde have further triggered floods that have led to a breakdown in the sanitation system, contaminating the environment and water sources. The Cameroon government has confirmed the closure of major markets within the capital, including Mfoundi, Etoudi, and Mokolo markets, also to control the spread of cholera infections, which the government says is highest in men between the ages of 21 and 35 years.
The government reports that the current wave of cholera infections has killed several dozen people since April 17, 2021. Cholera treatment centres, such as the Djoungolo hospital situated in Yaounde, are now overwhelmed by the influx of patients. Meanwhile, humanitarian workers cannot access remote towns and villages to ascertain the actual number of infections and fatalities, suggesting the situation may be graver than reported. The government health official, Andjembe Essola, confirms the presence of cholera in the East region that shares a border with the Central African Republic. Since April 27, 2021, travelers had come to the region from Yaounde. To prevent the disease from reaching congested refugee camps in the C.A.R., health authorities are taking measures in the region. The government and humanitarian agencies are, meanwhile, cleaning refugee camps, providing clean and drinkable water while educating individuals on the importance of washing their hands regularly and ceasing open air defecation.
Cholera is a bacterial infection that spreads by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. The Public Health Ministry in Cameroon warns that if left untreated, the disease can lead to severe diarrhoea and dehydration, which can be fatal. Regular cholera outbreaks in Cameroon are attributed to unreliable water supplies in the nation’s towns and villages.
