Treyfish
Moderator
Re: Cholera Outbreaks - Global
100 cholera cases in DR Congo
Afp, Nairobi
At least 100 cases of cholera have been reported in the Democratic republic of Congo's troubled eastern region, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF - Doctors Without Borders) said yesterday.
"There have been 69 cases of cholera in the four displaced persons camps around Goma over the past week, and 20 in Kitchanga. In Buturande, near Rutshuru, there are five to 10 new cases per day," the medical charity said in a statement.
The eastern region has been the scene of fighting between government troops and rebel forces that has recently displaced tens of thousands of people.
"Northwest of Goma, in Kitchanga, MSF has managed to increase the water supply in the Mungote displaced persons camp from two litres to at least 10 litres per person per day. Teams will try to achieve similar increases in two other camps in the area," the statement said.
Cholera is caused by intestinal bacteria that causes serious diarrhoea and vomiting, leading to dehydration. It has a short incubation period and can prove fatal, but can be cured if diagnosed promptly.
On Monday, aid reached the eastern DRC town of Rutshuru for the first time since the UN last week said that looting and violence targeting civilians had thrown tens of thousands of civilians on the roads.
A ceasefire declared last week by renegade general Laurent Nkunda's movement and intensive diplomatic activity in the region has allowed for urgent relief action in a bid to avert a looming humanitarian catastrophe.:tiphat:http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=61896
100 cholera cases in DR Congo
Afp, Nairobi
At least 100 cases of cholera have been reported in the Democratic republic of Congo's troubled eastern region, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF - Doctors Without Borders) said yesterday.
"There have been 69 cases of cholera in the four displaced persons camps around Goma over the past week, and 20 in Kitchanga. In Buturande, near Rutshuru, there are five to 10 new cases per day," the medical charity said in a statement.
The eastern region has been the scene of fighting between government troops and rebel forces that has recently displaced tens of thousands of people.
"Northwest of Goma, in Kitchanga, MSF has managed to increase the water supply in the Mungote displaced persons camp from two litres to at least 10 litres per person per day. Teams will try to achieve similar increases in two other camps in the area," the statement said.
Cholera is caused by intestinal bacteria that causes serious diarrhoea and vomiting, leading to dehydration. It has a short incubation period and can prove fatal, but can be cured if diagnosed promptly.
On Monday, aid reached the eastern DRC town of Rutshuru for the first time since the UN last week said that looting and violence targeting civilians had thrown tens of thousands of civilians on the roads.
A ceasefire declared last week by renegade general Laurent Nkunda's movement and intensive diplomatic activity in the region has allowed for urgent relief action in a bid to avert a looming humanitarian catastrophe.:tiphat:http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=61896