Cholera risk in Khartoum

Cholera Prevention Guide for Khartoum

Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It spreads through contaminated water and food. While most cases are mild or moderate, severe cholera can cause life-threatening dehydration within hours if untreated. Khartoum's risk score of 51/100 reflects ongoing challenges with water quality, sanitation infrastructure, and population density, especially in informal settlements and areas affected by seasonal flooding.

Local Risk Factors in Khartoum

Khartoum faces several specific risks. The city's water supply system has suffered damage from conflict and underinvestment, leaving many residents relying on untreated or poorly treated water sources. Overcrowded neighborhoods and displacement camps create ideal conditions for rapid spread. Flooding during the rainy season contaminates drinking water with sewage. Street food vendors and open-air markets often operate without proper hygiene controls. Limited access to healthcare facilities in some areas delays treatment.

Prevention Steps

1. Treat all drinking water. Boil water for at least one full minute, or use chlorine purification tablets, or filter with a certified water purification device. Store treated water in clean, covered containers and avoid dipping hands or cups directly into storage vessels.

2. Practice strict hand hygiene. Wash hands with soap and clean water before eating, after using the toilet, and before handling food. If soap is unavailable, use ash or hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.

3. Eat only freshly cooked, hot food. Avoid raw vegetables washed with untreated water, unpeeled fruits, and food from street vendors whose water and hygiene practices you cannot verify. Peel fruits yourself and eat immediately.

4. Use latrines and dispose of feces safely. Do not defecate near water sources. If latrines are unavailable, bury waste far from water and living areas.

5. Know the warning signs and act fast. Watery diarrhea and vomiting require immediate oral rehydration. Mix clean water with oral rehydration salts or a homemade solution of one liter of clean water, six teaspoons of sugar, and half a teaspoon of salt. Seek medical care promptly for severe cases.