DR Congo: 129 cholera cases and 14 deaths recorded in Mbandaka

At least 129 cholera cases, 14 deaths and 68 recoveries have been reported in the Wangata and Bolenge health zones of Mbandaka, according to a provisional tally released on October 30 by the Equateur provincial health division. Bolenge, the outbreak’s epicenter, has recorded 104 cases, while Wangata has recorded 77; the figures overlap in part because patients were transferred between treatment centers. Health officials suspect the arrival of three boats from Kinshasa contributed to the outbreak, and say about 100 of the roughly 800 passengers showed symptoms consistent with cholera. Mbandaka Mayor Yves Balo urged residents to follow preventive measures, including handwashing, treating or boiling drinking water, and disinfecting motorcycle taxis that transported patients.