Cholera epidemic kills 77
2004-10-16 13:58
Conakry - A cholera epidemic has killed at least 77 people in central and western Guinea since late June, the public health service said on Friday.
The deaths were among 875 cases of cholera which has made a resurgence this year owing to heavy rains across the region that have helped to spread the water-borne bacterial illness.
The capital Conakry was among the regions hit, with 20 dying from a total of 361 cases, according to Director of Public Health Dr Mahy Barry.
Signs of cholera include cramping, nausea and diarrhoea.
Doctors blame "unhygienic practices"for cholera transmission, imploring residents to wash their hands after using the toilet and to take greater care in preparing and handling food.
Western Guinea was hit by a cholera outbreak in June of last year, which claimed 83 lives from 183 reported cases.
Cholera epidemics in 1994, 2000 and 2001 left hundreds of dead in Guinea. - AFP
- SAPA