Cholera Epidemic Still Rampant in Guinea-Bissau, but Stable in Guinea

A cholera epidemic which has claimed 90 lives to-date in Guinea Bissau, with more than 3,900 people suffering from the disease, is spreading but no new cases have been reported from

A cholera epidemic which has claimed 90 lives to-date in Guinea Bissau, with more than 3,900 people suffering from the disease, is spreading but no new cases have been reported from neighbouring Guinea, the WHO said Sunday.

"The cholera outbreak continues with 3,915 cases and 90 deaths reported as of 31 August" in Guinea Bissua, said a World Health Organization report seen by AFP.

Cholera
Cholera is an infection of the small intestine and is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

"New cases have been detected in Bijagos archipelago bringing the number of regions affected to 10 out of 11."

Aid groups MSF-Spain and OXFAM-US have mobilised teams to support a response, the report added.

In Guinea, the outbreak of the water-borne disease "is stabilising in Boke and Boffa prefectures.

Waterborne Disease
Interactive section of Medindia gives details regarding waterborne disease

"No cases were reported between 18 and 24 August from the 18 (out of 38) facilities that sent in their surveillance reports," the WHO report added.

The United Nations gave 400,000 euros (570,000 dollars) in aid to tiny Guinea-Bissau last month to fight the epidemic.

Management of diarrhea
Management of acute diarrhea is directed at preventing or treating dehydration that so often accompanies the disease. Treatment of a child with diarrhea is based on presence or absence of dehydration.

The money was partly to be used to help train health agents and for a public awareness campaign via the media.

Cholera causes serious diarrhoea and vomiting and can be fatal if not treated within 24 hours.

Source-AFP
SRM