Senegal's cholera epidemic spreads
A cholera epidemic in the capital of Senegal was spreading today with 400 cases reported and two deaths so far, health officials said.
The figure is up from 84 cases reported on October 26. The first case was diagnosed on October 11.
While more cases are expected, doctors were optimistic about checking the spread of the waterborne disease soon.
“This is the normal evolution of an epidemic … the preventive measures we are currently taking will help us reduce the speed at which the disease is spreading,” Dr Papa Salif Sow, head of infectious diseases at Dakar’s Fann teaching hospital, told The Associated Press.
Authorities have embarked on a radio and television campaign urging residents to be diligent about hygiene – washing hands and food items carefully.
Officials also have banned the usual street sales of fruit juices and water.
The epidemic is still mainly present in the capital, Dakar. Two cases have been reported in Bambey, 76 miles north of Dakar, Sow said.
Cholera is mainly contracted through contaminated food or water.
Epidemics are linked to poor hygiene, overcrowding, inadequate sanitation and unsafe water. It attacks the intestine and can cause death by severe dehydration from diarrhoea.
The last cholera outbreak in Senegal, in 1996, killed 201 people.
