A review of the risk of cholera outbreaks and urbanization in sub-Saharan Africa

The sub-Saharan region of Africa is rapidly urbanizing, that has consequently spurred the development of specific challenges in terms of access to basic services and sanitation. Thus, exposure to waterborne diseases, including cholera, has been a recurrent problem for the people residing in these urban locations. It is important to understand the different risks faced by people in urban areas as it might aid in preventing and controlling the spread of the disease.A review of literature was conducted, using specific selection criteria to obtain relevant publications that described the risk factors for cholera outbreak in urban areas of sub-Saharan Africa.A perusal of available literature indicated that despite the heterogeneity in the urban areas of Africa, there are similarities with respect to the risk factors associated with the incidence of cholera epidemics. These risk factors include geographical location, hydroclimatic parameters, urban environment, genomics of the Vibrio cholerae virulence, sanitation, and human behavior.A succinct comprehension of the possible relationship between the different risk factors might prove to be helpful in managing the cholera epidemic.