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Cholera intervention in South Kivu
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Although easy to prevent and treat, cholera affects up to 4 million people worldwide per year, resulting in up to 140,000 deaths.

Caused by a water-borne bacterial infection of the intestine, cholera is transmitted through contaminated food or water, or through contact with fecal matter or vomit from infected people. Cholera can cause severe diarrhoea and vomiting, and rapidly prove fatal, within hours, if not treated. But cholera is very simple to treat – rehydration is key. Most people respond well to oral rehydration salts, which are easy to administer. In more serious cases, intravenous fluids are required. Ultimately, no-one should die of cholera.

Cholera

Quick facts about cholera

Cholera outbreaks resurgence | Web Clip EN SQUARE
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Cholera outbreaks resurgence

A resurgence of cholera outbreaks

In 2023, 30 countries recorded cases of cholera. MSF teams responded to cholera outbreaks in more than 10 countries, including in Lebanon, Haiti, Syria and DRC; in many of these countries, the situation is worrying. But why are we seeing a resurgence of cholera outbreaks?

CTC Infographic (EN)

What happens in an MSF cholera treatment centre?

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MSF often responds to outbreaks of cholera in the countries we work. But how do we set up our cholera treatment centres to ensure our patients get the best care possible - and that the disease doesn't spread? Learn more about the layout and activities of an MSF cholera treatment centre in this interactive guide.

Learn more about MSF's cholera treament centres
 
Democratic Republic of Congo

Cholera spreads in several cities in Katanga province

Press Release 29 Jan 2008
 
Democratic Republic of Congo

MSF increases role as cholera outbreak picks up speed in the DRC

Project Update 25 Jan 2008
 
Democratic Republic of Congo

Cholera and malnutrition add to the extreme suffering in North Kivu, DRC

Press Release 19 Dec 2007
 
Guinea

When cholera takes root in Conakry

Project Update 25 Oct 2007
 
Guinea

Cholera strikes again in Guinea

Project Update 27 Aug 2007
 
Republic of Congo

Post-cholera situation remains poor in Republic of Congo

Project Update 9 May 2007
 
Sierra Leone

Malaria and infections

Project Update 30 Apr 2007
 
Somalia

MSF is responding to cholera outbreaks in Somalia

Press Release 11 Apr 2007
 
Somalia

Cholera outbreak in Somalia's Galgaduud region

Project Update 4 Apr 2007
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We produce important research based on our field experience. So far, we have published articles in over 100 peer-reviewed journals. These articles have often changed clinical practice and have been used for humanitarian advocacy. All of these articles can be found on our dedicated Field Research website.

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