Cholera risk in Maputo

Cholera Prevention Guide for Maputo

Cholera is a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea and dehydration, spread through contaminated water and food. With Maputo's risk score of 56/100, residents and visitors should take specific precautions.

Local risk factors in Maputo include seasonal flooding during the rainy period, informal settlements with limited sanitation infrastructure, street food vendors with inconsistent hygiene practices, and reliance on untreated water in some peri-urban neighborhoods. The coastal climate and population density further increase transmission risk.

Prevention steps:

Drink only safe water. Boil water for at least one minute, use chlorine tablets, or purchase sealed bottled water. Avoid ice from unknown sources. In areas like Maxaquene or Albasine, water treatment is especially critical.

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and clean water before eating and after using the toilet. If soap is unavailable, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Carry a small bottle when traveling through markets like Mercado Central.

Eat food that is freshly cooked and served hot. Avoid raw vegetables washed in local water, unpeeled fruits from street vendors, and seafood from informal stalls near the port area. Choose busy restaurants with visible cooking practices.

Avoid swimming or wading in standing water, particularly after heavy rains. Floodwater in neighborhoods like Polana Caniço may contain cholera bacteria. Keep children away from puddles and drainage channels.

If diarrhea develops, begin oral rehydration immediately using WHO-recommended solution. Seek medical care at Hospital Central de Maputo or local health posts if symptoms worsen within hours. Early treatment prevents severe dehydration and death.

Stay informed through local health authorities during outbreak alerts, especially November through March when cases typically rise. Community awareness and consistent hygiene practices remain the strongest protection for Maputo residents.