A cholera outbreak sweeping through Chad has resulted in 13 fatalities and 239 confirmed cases since July, health officials confirmed Thursday.

The crisis is concentrated in two regions: Hadjer Lamis in the north and the capital, N’Djamena. Authorities declared the outbreak on July 24 following initial deaths reported on June 13.

As of August 3, health teams have recorded 239 cases across the landlocked country of 21 million people. A mass vaccination campaign is underway, with 50,799 people already immunized.

Regional health crisis

Chad joins a growing list of African nations battling cholera resurgences, including Central African Republic, Nigeria, and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Understanding cholera and its risks

Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. While easily managed with oral rehydration or antibiotics in severe cases, the disease can prove fatal within hours without prompt treatment.

Advanced wastewater treatment systems have nearly eradicated cholera in most developed nations. However, Chad’s battle against the disease is compounded by limited access to clean drinking water and inadequate sanitation infrastructure, the health ministry reported.