The Central African Republic has declared a cholera outbreak after recording 24 deaths and 197 confirmed infections, according to Health Minister Pierre Somse.
Authorities confirmed the outbreak in the Bimbo and Mbaïki health districts southwest of the capital, Bangui, and said containment measures have already been implemented in affected areas and neighboring communities.
Cholera is a waterborne disease spread through contaminated food and water and can cause severe dehydration and acute diarrhea if left untreated.
Officials are investigating the source of the outbreak, which marks the country's fifth recorded cholera epidemic. The government has urged residents to follow public health guidance as it works to contain the disease.
The outbreak comes as the Central African Republic remains on alert over the spread of Ebola in neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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