HEALTH – The ARS is already preparing for an epidemic scenario “ so as not to find yourself back against the wall. » First three cases of cholera ” indigenous “ were identified with Mayottewhere ten imported cases had been recorded since mid-March among migrants particularly from Comoros neighbors, the Regional Health Agency announced this Friday, April 26.
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These cases, the first to result from internal contamination in the Indian Ocean department, were “identified in the commune of Koungou” north of Mamoudzou, said Olivier Brahic, director general of the ARS during a press conference, specifying that ” most likely “ was that these patients were contaminated by “a sick person (who) has not presented himself to the Samu”.
The infections involve a man, a woman and a baby from three different households, reports Overseas La Première. After being hospitalized, they are in good health.
Identification measures and open testing center
“We must monitor this situation closely, we are in the process of putting in place measures to identify contacts, put them on antibiotics and we are organizing the vaccination of the inhabitants of this area”added Olivier Brahic.
At the same time, a screening center will be opened on site and 20 doctors and nurses will arrive as reinforcements on Saturday in Mayotte.
Cholera is an acute form of diarrhea that can kill within hours and is contracted by bacteria usually transmitted through contaminated water or food.
In February, the ARS presented a response plan in the event of the disease being introduced into the overseas department. Health controls at borders and field interventions have been strengthened and a secure hospital care circuit has been set up.
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