Cholera outbreak reported at Kindu Central Prison

A cholera outbreak has been reported at the Kindu Central Prison in Maniema province, resulting in eight notified cases and two deaths among inmates over the past week. Provincial health authorities confirmed the situation, noting that the disease has been spreading through the province, originating in Kasongo and moving from the Tanganyika province.

Dr. Alexis Chomba, the provincial Minister of Health, stated that infected individuals are receiving medical care and that authorities are working to contain the spread. A joint mission involving the provincial ministries of Health, Interior, and Justice, along with the provincial security council, visited the facility to assess the situation. One inmate in critical condition was evacuated to a hospital for emergency treatment.

The outbreak poses significant challenges due to the prison environment, where overcrowding and shared sanitation facilities facilitate the rapid transmission of the waterborne disease. Authorities are focusing on isolating suspected cases, ensuring access to clean water, and monitoring hygiene protocols in kitchens and latrines.