According to the doctor, the reduction in the number of cholera cases in Angola is influenced by multiple factors, including vaccination, which contributes to reducing disease transmission.
"Of every 100 people infected with the cholera virus, about 80 will not show signs or symptoms, and [...] as people are vaccinated, they gain immunity, and this also reduces cases," the doctor told Lusa.
The specialist also pointed to the dry season, or cold weather, in Angola as another factor that prevents disease transmission, "because there is little rain, and therefore, there is a reduction in disease transmission."
"So, what we will see in the coming days is truly this reduction in the number of cases, and we hope that after this period, the disease will be eliminated," he said.
Angola recorded a total of 186 new cases in the last seven days, an average of 26 cases per day, compared to the previous period when more than 100 cases were recorded daily. According to official data, only one death occurred during this period.
According to the epidemiological bulletin from the National Secretariat of Public Health, the country recorded 19 new cases in the last 24 hours and no deaths. The country, which reported its first case of cholera on January 7th, has seen a decline in the disease since June.
Jeremias Agostinho asked authorities to take steps to prevent further outbreaks of the disease in the coming years.
"In areas with limited access to water, the government must continue its distribution and also improve basic sanitation nationwide, wastewater treatment, and drainage of wastewater and rainwater," concluded the Angolan doctor.
Angola has recorded a cumulative 27,483 cases of cholera and 764 deaths since the beginning of the outbreak. Luanda has 6989 cases and 222 deaths, followed by Benguela province with 4718 cases and 108 deaths, and Bengo with 3064 cases and 119 deaths.
The Ministry of Health launched the third phase of the national cholera vaccination campaign in Lunda Norte province last Saturday.
At least 1.9 million vaccines were administered in the first two phases of the campaign, targeting two million people in 24 priority municipalities in the provinces of Cabinda, Cuanza Sul, Lunda Norte, Huíla, Namibe, and Zaire.
