Outbreak of cholera in Mozambique is growing exponentially – WHO

MOZAMBIQUE – Heavy rainfall in the first weeks of February is reported to worsen the cholera situation in Mozambique, WHO reports.

The outbreak of cholera in Mozambique has been growing exponentially since December 2022 with geographic spread to new districts.

Mozambique is one of many countries in the region facing a cholera outbreak at the moment. Notably, neighbouring Malawi is facing the deadliest cholera outbreak in its history.

Considering the frequency of cross-border movement and the history of cross-border spread of cholera during this outbreak, WHO considers the risk of further disease spread as very high at the national and regional levels.

The first case of cholera in the current outbreak was reported to the Ministry of Health and WHO from Lago district in Niassa province on 14 September 2022.

As of 19 February 2023, a cumulative total of 5237 suspected cases and 37 deaths (Case Fatality Ratio (CFR) 0.7%) have been reported in 29 districts from six out of 11 provinces in the country.

Of the at least 182 cases tested, 99 cases (54%) were laboratory confirmed for cholera by culture.

All six provinces currently affected by cholera are flood-prone areas. As the rainy season continues, it is anticipated that more districts will be affected.

With this outbreak, cholera has affected many districts that had not reported any cases in over five years and where, as a result, the response capacity is limited.

In addition, there is inadequate access to sources of safe drinking water for the population that is already challenged with poor hygiene and sanitation.

As of 19 February, eight districts (Chimbonila, Lago, Lichinga, Mandimba, Mecanhelas, Muembe, Ngauma and Sanga) of Niassa province (north of the country) reported 2525 cases and 16 deaths (CFR 0.6 %). 

In the central region of the country, nine districts (Beira, Buzi, Caia, Cheringoma, Chibabava, Gorongoza, Maringue, Marromeu, Muanza) of Sofala province reported 1354 cases and three deaths (CFR 0.2 %).

Nine districts (Angonia, Cahora Bassa, Chiuta, Doa, Marara, Moatize, Mutarara, Tete, Tsangano) from Tete province, reported 1271 cases with 12 deaths (CFR 0.9%) since December 2022. Zambezia province (Milange district) bordering Malawi reported 14 cases.

In the southern region of the country, one district (Xai-Xai) in Gaza province, reported 42 cases and four deaths (CFR 9.5%).  In addition, one district (Tambara) in Manica province, reported 34 cases and two deaths (CFR 5.9%).

Additionally, four districts from three provinces (Tete – two, Zambezia – one, and Cabo-Delgado – one) have reported cases of Acute Watery Diarrhoea (AWD) that were positive for cholera by Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) with culture results pending.

Notably, in the last 30 days the districts reporting cholera and AWD are increasing, with three new provinces reporting confirmed cholera.

History of cholera in Mozambique

Prior to the current outbreak, there were cholera outbreaks in eight districts in three provinces during the first half of 2022, which were declared over.

The current outbreak of cholera in Mozambique covers a wider geographic area and has a higher CFR compared with the previous outbreak.

Moreover, most of the affected districts, especially in Niassa province, had not reported cholera cases for more than five years and many of the health professionals do not have experience in responding to a cholera outbreak.

Weak surveillance with late reporting, inadequate WASH conditions (lack of access to safe drinking water, poor sanitation and hygiene practices), a weak health system and exhausted workforce responding to multiple emergencies pose a threat to continued disease progression, as do the ongoing heavy rains of the season.

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