In early May, a major cholera outbreak struck the lakeside village of Lomera in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, prompting an urgent emergency response. The outbreak was fueled by a combination of rapid population growth, overcrowding, and poor sanitation following a gold rush that began in December.
Once a quiet village of just 1,500 people, Lomera’s population ballooned to over 12,000 in a matter of months after gold was discovered in nearby hills. Thousands of people seeking work and safety amid regional insecurity poured into the area, turning the village into a chaotic sprawl of mining pits and makeshift shelters.
Living conditions deteriorated rapidly. With overcrowding, limited access to clean water, widespread open defecation, and nonexistent waste disposal systems, the area became a perfect breeding ground for cholera. The disease, already endemic in this region, quickly escalated in scale. From the first 13 reported cases on April 20, the number surged to 109 in just two weeks likely an underestimate making up 95% of all cases in the Katana health zone, which has over 275,000 residents.
A rapid emergency intervention was launched on May 9. In just four days, more than 8,000 people were vaccinated with the oral cholera vaccine though only a single dose could be administered due to limited supplies. More than 600 patients were treated at a temporary cholera treatment center. The majority of patients were miners who had used contaminated lake water in the gold extraction process.
As part of the response, patients were provided with hygiene kits and health education on cholera prevention. A lakeside water treatment and distribution facility was installed, supplying around 60,000 liters of clean water daily. Additionally, 100 latrines and 25 handwashing stations were set up throughout the settlement, and contact tracing efforts were launched to control the spread.
While the emergency response is winding down, the threat remains. With no permanent water infrastructure and the nearest well three kilometers away, sustainable solutions are urgently needed. Continued vaccine supplies and restoration of access to critical supplies hampered by insecurity and airport closures are vital. Without major investment in water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure, similar outbreaks are likely to recur, posing ongoing threats to vulnerable communities in eastern DRC.
