Officials in Cameroon have shut down markets in an attempt to stop a wave of cholera infections spreading through all 10 regions of the central African country. According to the government, more than 20,000 people have been infected, but the figures may be higher as a majority of the country’s 26 million people do not go to hospitals for treatment.
Sanitation workers werehed and disinfected toilets, pits and septic tanks at Acacia market in Yaounde’s Sixth district, which sees at least 5,000 merchants and buyers each day. The Mfoundi, Etoudi and Mokolo markets in the capital were also sealed this week to stop the cholera spread. The government explained that men between the ages of 21 and 35 years, who constitute a majority of traders, are the most affected by the ongoing wave of infections.
The present wave has affected more than 20,000 people and killed several dozen since April 17, according to the government. Cholera treatment centers like the Djoungolo hospital in Yaounde are overwhelmed by an influx of patients.
The government of the central African state says the real number of infections and fatalities may be higher as humanitarian workers are not able to visit more remote towns and villages. Andjembe Essola is the highest government health official along Cameroon’s eastern border.
The government is taking measures to ensure that the disease does not reach congested C.A.R. refugee camps, such as cleaning refugee camps, providing clean drinkable water, and educating civilians to wash their hands regularly and stop open air defecation.
All 10 of the country’s regions have reported the spread of cholera, a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea and dehydration, usually spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. It can be fatal if not treated in hospitals.
