A first case of cholera detected in Mayotte in a person from the Comoros

A first case of cholera from the Comoros, where the epidemic has been raging since the start of the year, was detected in Mayotte, the prefecture of this overseas territory confirmed on Tuesday March 19. Arriving on Sunday from Anjouan in the north of the island, the infected person was treated in the “cholera” unit of the Mayotte hospital center on Monday evening, according to the same source.

“She was treated and she is better”assured prefect François-Xavier Bieuville during a press conference. “Our response strategy enabled rapid detection and treatment. All measures are being taken to stop the spread,” declared Marie Guévenoux, the Minister Delegate in charge of Overseas Territories, on Wednesday on X.

Cholera is an acute form of diarrhea that can kill within hours and is spread by bacteria usually transmitted through contaminated water or food.

Reinforced border health checks

While cases have been increasing in the neighboring archipelago of the Comoros for several weeks, the Regional Health Agency (ARS) presented in February a response plan in the event of the introduction of the disease into Mayotte.

Health controls at borders and field interventions have been strengthened, and a secure hospital care circuit has been put in place to avoid contamination. The ARS also deployed medical and paramedical investigation resources.

Monday evening, a team went to the patient’s place of residence to identify contact cases and provide them with the first treatments, said the ARS. A team returned to the site on Tuesday to disinfect the home and disseminate health recommendations to the neighborhood.