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May 2005 An outbreak of cholera cases has affected Senegal since the beginning of the year. From Jan. 1 to March 23, 2005, Senegal reported a total of 2,054 cases of cholera and eight deaths, in Touba, Mbacké and Bambey districts of Diourbel region, according to the WHO’s Web site. Between March 21 and March 27, 757 cases were reported. Between March 28 and April 3, 3,475 cases and 54 deaths were reported and during the week of April 11 to 17, 1,187 cases and 14 deaths were reported. The outbreak might be attributed to “le Magal de Touba,” a pilgrimage that drew thousands of people to the area recently. Other religious gatherings in Touba, Tivaoune and Kaoloack late last month were expected to cause more problems, but “the Ministry of Health has reenforced the dissemination of health education messages through the media, pre-positioned supplies in regional pharmacies and taken measures, including chlorination of water to ensure a safe and adequate water supply.” Of the cases reported between March 28 and April 3, 1,733, including 16 deaths, were reported in the city of Touba. Although there are other areas of Senegal with planned religious pilgrimages that are of concern to health officials, WHO officials said, “cases are reported to be decreasing in the city of Touba with an average of 33 cases reported per day compared to an average of 100 cases the week before.” The Ministry of Health and WHO continue to carry out surveillance activities, and are urging neighboring countries in Africa to also intensify surveillance, prevention and preparedness activities. |
