The department of Mayotte in France is currently facing an alarming cholera epidemic. According to the weekly report from the public health agency SPF on Friday June 21, 2024, the number of cases of cholera is around 200. This disease, caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae and spread mainly through the consumption of water or food contaminated, can cause serious symptoms such as acute diarrhea, vomiting and muscle cramps.
The latest count shows 193 cases, of which 172 are indigenous cases and 21 were contracted abroad, notably in the Comoros archipelago and other countries on the African continent. Mayotte, a department, region and unique territorial collectivity of France located in the north of the Mozambique Channel, has been facing this scourge since the end of April, when the first indigenous case was reported. With a population of around 320,000 inhabitants, the seriousness of the situation is reinforced by the fact that two deaths have been recorded, including that of a three-year-old girl.
French authorities have been heavily criticized for not having ensured access to drinking water to prevent this cholera epidemic in its overseas territory. The SPF agency warned of a high risk of spread in disadvantaged neighborhoods as long as access to drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities remains unsatisfactory.
This situation highlights the critical importance of drinking water supply and sanitation for public health. It is essential that immediate and effective measures are taken to stem this epidemic and protect the population of Mayotte. In these times when hygiene and public health are more essential than ever, it is imperative that the authorities act quickly and effectively to put an end to this health crisis.