Responding to cholera outbreak in the Mtwara Region, Tanzania: Lessons learned, effective strategies, and scalable recommendations for broader impact
Cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae, remains a significant public health threat, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where outbreaks are recurrent due to inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure. In Tanzania, cholera has persisted since its first detection in 1974, with major o...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
African Field Epidemiology Network
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://afenet-journal.org/responding-to-cholera-outbreak-in-the-mtwara-region-tanzania-lessons-learned-effective-strategies-and-scalable-recommendations-for-broader-impact/ |
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| Summary: | Cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae, remains a significant public health threat, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where outbreaks are recurrent due to inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure. In Tanzania, cholera has persisted since its first detection in 1974, with major outbreaks occurring periodically. In 2024, a cholera outbreak emerged in Mtwara Region, specifically in Masasi District Council, necessitating a coordinated emergency response. This perspective provides insights into the outbreak response, highlights key lessons learned, and offers scalable recommendations for broader impact in cholera-prone regions.
Following an alert on June 4, 2024, the Mtwara Regional Public Health Emergency Operations Center (RPHEOC) and the Masasi District Health Management Team (HMT) deployed a Rapid Response Team (RRT) to investigate and contain the outbreak. Field investigations confirmed Vibrio cholerae contamination in water sources and among symptomatic individuals. The outbreak resulted in 47 reported cases and 2 deaths, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 4.3%. Immediate interventions included enhanced surveillance, case management, and community engagement. WASH measures, such as chlorine water treatment, household hygiene inspections, and distribution of Aqua tabs, were implemented to mitigate further transmission.
Key lessons from the response included the importance of early detection, multisectoral collaboration, and strong community engagement in outbreak containment. The integration of geographic information system (GIS) mapping facilitated targeted interventions, while proactive risk communication enhanced public awareness and compliance with preventive measures.
To improve future outbreak management, we recommend strengthening surveillance systems, expanding WASH infrastructure, and institutionalizing rapid response mechanisms. These strategies, if scaled, could significantly reduce cholera morbidity and mortality in Tanzania and other endemic regions. The Mtwara experience underlines the need for sustainable, community-centered approaches to cholera prevention and control. |
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| ISSN: | 2664-2824 |