Cholera Outbreak at DRC Prison Kills 11, Infects Dozens

A cholera outbreak at Mbanza-Ngungu prison in western DRC has killed 11 inmates and infected 74 others. Authorities have sent medical teams, launched sanitation and vaccination measures, and temporarily suspended new admissions to contain the disease.

A cholera outbreak has struck a prison in western Democratic Republic of Congo, claiming the lives of 11 inmates and infecting dozens more, authorities confirmed on Monday. The outbreak was officially detected on March 27 at the prison in Mbanza-Ngungu, a town in Kongo Central province located approximately 150 kilometres from the capital, Kinshasa, according to a statement by Justice Minister Guillaume Ngefa.
The prison, which houses around 800 inmates, has reported 74 confirmed cases of cholera so far. Minister Ngefa expressed deep concern over the situation, noting that the disease can spread rapidly in crowded conditions such as those found in correctional facilities. He emphasized that immediate action was necessary to contain the outbreak and protect both inmates and staff.
In response, medical teams have been dispatched to the prison to provide treatment to those infected and to implement preventive measures. These include vaccinations for inmates and personnel, as well as intensified sanitation and disinfection procedures within the facility. Authorities are also closely monitoring the quality of drinking water to prevent further contamination.
In addition, the justice ministry has temporarily suspended new admissions to the prison to limit overcrowding and reduce the risk of the disease spreading. Officials have stressed that controlling the outbreak is a priority, with efforts focused on both treatment and prevention to safeguard the health of the prison population.
The outbreak highlights ongoing public health challenges in detention facilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where limited infrastructure and overcrowding can exacerbate the spread of infectious diseases. Authorities have called for continued vigilance and cooperation from inmates and staff to contain the situation.