Health authorities in Mayotte say the French Indian Ocean territory has the capacity to address the various epidemics affecting Africa and the surrounding region, as a cholera outbreak appears to be under control and a plan is in place to detect and treat cases of mpox.
No new cases of cholera have been identified since 12 July, according to the Regional health agency (ARS) after an epidemic swept through France’s poorest department this spring, as France launched operations against insecurity, illegal immigration and unsanitary housing.
A total of 221 cases were identified since the spring, with five deaths “attributable to cholera”, the agency told AFP.
The ARS put in place a vaccination campaign in the most affected areas, particularly where there was a lack of running water.
The results, the agency said, shows their response was effective.
However, if cholera is under control, the growing mpox epidemic coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo is of concern, as many migrants from DRC arrive in the French department in transit through the neighbouring Comoros islands.
The first cholera cases were identified amongst Congolese migrants.
The island identified two mpox cases during the 2022 epidemic, and health authorities were able to test people upon arrival to the island.
Since then, the ARS has set up the capacity to test for mpox locally, rather than sending samples to mainland France for analysis, and the health agency has a stock of vaccines to treat those who were in contact with confirmed or suspected cases.
Mayotte, France's poorest department, has long been affected by water shortages, a housing crisis and illegal migration.
(with AFP)
