The cholera epidemic in Mayotte has claimed its first victim, a 3-year-old child in the commune of Koungou, as announced by the prefecture and the regional health agency on Wednesday, May 8th. The child lived in the Koungou neighborhood where several cases of cholera had been identified in recent weeks. Following this tragic event, intervention teams were sent to the area to treat those who had been in contact with the child. The authorities are fully mobilized in the fight against cholera on the island.
This first fatal case comes on the eve of a scheduled visit by the Minister of Health, Frédéric Valletoux, to the Indian Ocean island. Just two days prior, three initial cases of cholera had been confirmed, bringing the total number of cases on the island to twenty-six. In response to this increase, a new “cholera unit” was opened at a medical center to ensure the treatment of all affected individuals. A second cholera unit was subsequently opened at the Dzoumogné referral center, as the first unit at the Mayotte hospital was at full capacity.
The initial cases of cholera were identified in Koungou, north of Mamoudzou, on April 26th. Prior to this, ten imported cases had been recorded since mid-March among individuals arriving from neighboring Comoros. In an effort to contain and reduce the risk in Koungou, the regional health agency has intensified its on-site interventions and established a testing and referral center. Vaccination operations are also being carried out, along with health patrols to disseminate recommendations and direct individuals towards vaccination and testing facilities.
Cholera is a bacterial disease that can cause acute diarrhea and death by dehydration within one to three days. It is transmitted through contaminated water or food. There are effective vaccines and treatments available. A protocol developed in February to prevent the spread of the disease includes disinfecting the patient’s home, identifying and treating contacts, and administering vaccinations in a gradually expanding area around the infected individual’s residence.
Mayotte is preparing to face a potential epidemic of cholera, with efforts underway to contain and manage the situation. The authorities are focused on providing medical care to those affected, conducting vaccinations, and implementing preventive measures to limit the spread of the disease. The recent increase in cases has prompted the opening of additional cholera units to accommodate the growing number of patients. The public health agencies are working diligently to address the crisis and ensure the well-being of the population in Mayotte.
