Cholera kills 17 in G Bissau

2005-07-12 13:45

Bissau - Guinea-Bissau is the latest country in West Africa to be hit with an outbreak of the deadly waterborne illness cholera, reporting 17 deaths from 1 360 cases since June 11, medical officials said.

Doctor Agostinho Semedo said on Monday Bissau's central hospital was accepting between 60 and 70 cases daily since the outbreak began, though the number of cases was tapering slightly in the last couple of days.

Health officials say the outbreak has thus far been limited to the capital Bissau and the neighbouring Biombo and Bula quarters, though a nationwide awareness campaign was in full swing.

Fears that a resurgence could accompany the rainy season have mobilised resources from the health ministry, according to minister Maria Odete Semedo, who said the country was committed to bringing its awareness campaign to the most remote villages.

Transmitted through poor hygiene in food preparation and sanitation, cholera is creeping around West Africa, including Guinea-Bissau's neighbour Guinea-Conakry, which reported 21 deaths from 345 cases since June 15.

Mali reported 14 deaths in the eastern Kayes region on Tuesday from 110 cases, while ten have died out of more than 1 000 infections in Guinea-Bissau.

Cholera has resurfaced three times in Senegal in less than a year, recording eight deaths from 783 cases since early June.

- AFP