The Potential Financial Costs of Climate Change on Health of Urban and Rural Citizens: A Case Study of Vibrio cholerae Infections at Bu-kavu Town, South Kivu Province, Eastern of Democratic Republic of Congo

This study integrates historical data (20 years) on temperature and rainfall with the burden of disease from cholera in South-Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Analyses of precipitation and temperatures characteristics in South-Kivu provinces showed that cholera epidemics are closely associated with climatic factors variability. Peaks in Cholera new cases were in synchrony with peaks in rainfalls. Cholera infection cases declined significantly (P<0.05) with the rise in the average temperature. The authors conclude that it is likely that high rainfall favours multiplication of the bacteria and contamination of water sources by the bacteria (Vibrio cholerae).The consumption of polluted water, promiscuity, population density and lack of hygiene are determinants favouring spread and infection of the bacteria among human beings living in over-crowded environments.