The number of people killed in the latest cholera outbreak in Angola has risen to 201. A total of 5,574 people have been infected since early January. Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibro cholerae. It is a global public health threat and indicates inequity and lack of social and economic development. Access to safe water, basic sanitation and hygiene is essential to prevent cholERA and other waterborne diseases. The current (seventh) pandemic started in South Asia in 1961 and continues to affect populations globally. The first pandemic, or global epidemic, was recorded in the 19th century. Since then, six pandemics have killed millions of people worldwide. The disease can progress rapidly, so starting treatment quickly is vital to save lives. Patients with severe disease need intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solution (ORS) and antibiotics. The infection can be fatal within hours if untreated. Symptoms appear 12 hours to 5 days after infection.
