WHO Africa H1N1, cholera, acute watery diarrhea update
Campbell, Dan
Africa weekly emergency situation update Vol. 2, No. 33
Date: 19 Aug 2009
General Context
The Pandemic A (H1N1) is becoming a big challenge for our Region. The number of confirmed cases as well as the death is exponentially increasing. As of 18th of August 2009 a total of 3,208 cases were confirmed in 20 African countries with 11 deaths. South Africa has the bulk with 3,000 confirmed case and 6 deaths. Mauritius is of concern due to high case fatality rate of 14.3% (35 cases and 5 deaths). Other humanitarian concerns include disease outbreaks, the complex emergencies in central African countries and the food crises in the horn of Africa. We continue to monitor the flood situation in West Africa.
Countries Situations
Acute crises
DRC: From December 2008 to mid-July 2009, at least 110,000 Congolese refugees were forced to return to Congo and especially to the provinces of Western Kasai, Bandundu and Bas-Congo from Angola . Insecurity continues in the East. On the 12th of August 2009, an armed group launched an attack against the FARDC military camp at Mpama, in the territory of Walikale, North Kivu province. Eleven people were injured. Cholera: In South Kivu, 40 new cases without death were reported in week 32 making a cumulative total of 4,510 cases with 64 deaths (CFR: 1.4%) from week 1 to 32. In North Kivu, 71 new cases were reported in week 32 making a total of 2,514 cases with 27 deaths (CFR: 1%) from week 1 to 32. First case of Influenza A (H1N1) confirmed on the 12th of August 2009.
Ethiopia: Food security and malnutrition : The delayed start of the long rainy season coupled with the below average performance of the rains so far, is expected to adversely impact the main harvest prospect especially for the long cycle crops in these areas. A projected figure of 6.2 million people will require food assistance from July to December 2009 and the food security situation in the country still remains poor. Field reports indicate a declining food security situation in areas that are usually food secure. Acute Watery Diarrhoea: According to the federal Minister of Health, 617 new cases with 8 deaths have been reported from 35 districts in 6 Regions in week 32. The cumulative total cases reported from epidemic week 1 to 32 are 6,821 and 135 deaths (CFR 2%) from 7 regions.
Kenya: Humanitarian situation caused by drought and disease outbreaks continue to be critical. The government has launched an emergency response programme to provide rapid delivery of food, water and medicine to over 10 million Kenyans in arid and semi arid areas of the country most affected by the prolonged drought. Disease outbreaks (No update received).
Mauritius: Pandemic H1N1, as of 18th August 2009, a total of 35 cases with 5 deaths (CFR: 14.3%) were reported in the country.
South Africa: The Pandemic H1N1 is rapidly evolving in the community. As of 18th August 2009, an overall total of 3, 000 cases with 6 deaths (CFR: 0.2%) have been reported in the country.
Countries Under Surveillance
Angola: Resurgence of Cholera with 6 provinces (Uije, Kwanza Norte, Malange, Benguela, Luanda and Huila) so far affected. In week 32, a total of 12 new cases without death were reported making an overall total of 1,317 cases with 38 deaths (CFR: 2.9%) since the beginning of the year 2009.
Mozambique: We are monitoring the political environment in preparation for the 2009 elections in October 2009.
Niger: Political tension remains in the country; on the 8th of August the Constitutional Court validated the August 4 referendum won by President Tanja but the opposition immediately rejected this decision. Malnutrition: A total of 2,716 cases without death of moderate malnutrition and 1,465 cases with 11 deaths of severe malnutrition were reported in week 31. An overall total of 100,669 cases with 289 deaths of malnutrition have been reported from 1rst January to 2nd August 2009.
Pandemic H1N1 in the WHO African Region: The number of confirmed cases has tremendously increased since last week's report. As of 18th August 2009, a total of 3,208 confirmed cases with 11 deaths (CFR: 0.34%) have been reported in 20 countries. South Africa alone reported 3,000 cases with 6 deaths (CFR: 0.2%). There is a big concern with Mauritius with 35 cases with 5 deaths (14.3%).
Dan Campbell, Web
Manager
Environmental Health at USAID
1611 North Kent St., Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22209
Ph:
703-247-8722
Email: dcam...@usaid.gov
Environmental Health at USAID: http://www.ehproject.org
Indoor Air Pollution Updates: http://iapnews.wordpress.com
Sanitation Updates: http://sanitationupdates.wordpress.com
Urban Health Updates: http://urbanhealthupdates.wordpress.com
Cholera Google Group: http://groups.google.com/group/cholera-control
Household Water Treatment Google Group: http://groups.google.com/group/household-water-treatment