The Minister of Health, Frédéric Valletoux, reassured that the cholera epidemic in Mayotte is “contained” during a visit to the island. While the number of cases is not yet stabilized, the quick and coordinated intervention of health services has kept the situation under control. Despite the recent death of a 3-year-old girl and around fifty reported cases in the Kirson de Koungou district, Valletoux compared the situation to neighboring Comoros where thousands of cases and nearly a hundred deaths have occurred. The proactive measures in Mayotte include distributing antibiotics, vaccinating the population, and disinfecting households suspected of the disease.
Mayotte, an overseas French territory in the Indian Ocean, has seen its first cases of cholera in mid-March, initially from people returning from the Comoros where the epidemic has resulted in 98 deaths. By late April, cases within the local population not having traveled were also reported. Cholera is a bacterial disease that causes acute diarrhea and can lead to death by dehydration within days. As of early May, 58 cases have been recorded in Mayotte, with six active cases. A protocol established in February includes disinfecting the homes of patients, identifying and treating contacts, and gradually expanding vaccination in the surrounding area of the infected person’s residence.
Estelle Youssouffa, a local deputy, highlighted the challenges of reaching the mostly foreign and often undocumented population who are hesitant to seek medical help. The distribution of clean water is recommended to reduce the risk of contamination from unclean water and food, which are common vectors of the disease. At the Mayotte University Hospital, the head of the emergency department emphasized the strain on healthcare workers due to “kwassa-kwassa” boats, which transport sick people from the Comoros to Mayotte, resulting in additional pressure on the hospital staff.
Infectiologist Benjamin Davido warned of the difficulty in controlling the current epidemic, suggesting that addressing the situation in the Comoros is crucial to prevent further spread. The influx of sick individuals on “kwassa-kwassa” boats presents a challenge to healthcare workers who are already managing a significant number of patients. While efforts to contain the disease and prevent more deaths are ongoing in Mayotte, the situation remains serious and may worsen without comprehensive intervention. Davido expressed concerns about the possibility of a rapid increase in cases and additional fatalities if the outbreak is not effectively managed.
The response to the cholera outbreak in Mayotte involves a multi-faceted approach including distributing antibiotics, vaccinating the population, disinfecting homes, and expanding the vaccination area. The government aims to prevent further spread of the disease by implementing strict protocols and addressing the challenges posed by the influx of sick individuals from neighboring regions. While the situation is currently under control, there is a need for continued vigilance and coordinated efforts to ensure the containment of the cholera epidemic in Mayotte. The ongoing collaboration between health authorities, local communities, and international organizations plays a crucial role in managing and preventing the spread of the disease.
