Cholera claims 2 760

Last updated: Tuesday, January 16, 2007 Print More than 2 760 people have died of cholera in Angola since an epidemic broke out last February, authorities said Monday.

The Health Ministry said in a report it had recorded more than 69 000 cases of cholera and 2 764 fatalities.

The epidemic, which started in Luanda, the capital, has spread to all but one of the southwest African country's 18 provinces.

Foreign aid agencies have been distributing water dispensers, water purification tablets and soap in affected areas.

Cholera is transmitted through contaminated water and is linked to poor hygiene, overcrowding and inadequate sanitation. Though it can be treated easily, cholera is a major killer in certain developing countries.

Angola's healthcare and sanitation systems remain weak after a two-decade civil war that ended in 2002. – (Sapa-AP)

Read more:
Cholera Centre

January 2007

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