As of August 8, Chad has recorded 320 cholera cases and 15 deaths, with 52 new infections detected within 72 hours. The national fatality rate stands at 4.7%, far exceeding the 1% threshold considered manageable under proper medical care. Three regions are currently affected: Hadjer-Lamis, Lac, and the capital city, N’Djamena. Cases have been reported in 58 villages and neighborhoods across 12 active health zones.

Hadjer-Lamis remains the hardest-hit province, with 168 cases and five deaths in the Karal district alone, yielding a 3% fatality rate. N’Djamena, however, presents a paradox: while it has fewer cases (92), its fatality rate is the highest at 8.7%, with eight deaths recorded. In the Lac province, centered around the Kangalom district, the toll includes 60 cases and two fatalities, translating to a 3.3% mortality rate. Laboratory tests confirm active transmission, with 56% of 48 samples returning positive results.

Youngest victims bear the brunt

Health data reveals a disturbing trend: the median age of infected individuals is just 10 years. A staggering 84% of patients arrive with moderate to severe dehydration—a critical complication linked to the most dangerous cholera strains. Nationally, the attack rate is 13.3 cases per 100,000 people.

The emergency response hinges on a mass vaccination campaign, with 143,367 people vaccinated by August 8—covering 89.1% of the targeted population. Yet, responders face daunting challenges: inadequate access to clean water, poor sanitation, open defecation, high population density, and frequent population movements. In Lac province, logistical hurdles further hinder awareness campaigns, patient monitoring, and intervention efforts.

Health authorities urge the public to prioritize hand hygiene with clean water and soap, drink only boiled or bottled water, and seek immediate medical attention at the first sign of acute diarrhea. Cholera, an acute intestinal infection, spreads through contaminated food or water and can prove fatal within hours without treatment.