Cholera outbreak in Sao Tome
2005-04-20 10:22
Sao Tome - Three people have died in a cholera outbreak in the West African island nation of Sao Tome and Principe and 74 have been taken ill since the end of last week, officials said on Tuesday.
"It is a high rate for the health system of this island" of 140 000 inhabitants, said Dr Gilberto Frota, a health ministry official in the Agua Grande district.
The epidemic has been confined to the area of the Sao Tome hospital, the most important on the archipelago, where safe drinking water is scarce.
"The government will take all necessary steps to avoid the illness spreading to other districts," Trade Minister Alberto Santos, standing in for the absent health minister, said.
Sao Tome, a former Portuguese colony, which hopes to benefit from future oil revenues, at present depends on outside aid for 80% of its income.
It will be asking international bodies such as the World Health Organisation for help in fighting the outbreak.
Cholera is spread through the digestive system by bacteria present in contaminated liquids or food. It produces violent diarrhoea and dehydration and can be fatal if not treated.
Last month Sao Tome took preventive measures at its capital's airport and harbour to prevent a possible outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus that has ravaged Angola.