Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) - At least 1,939 people have developed cholera and 27 have died of the disease in a serious outbreak in Senegal in the last two weeks, more precisely from 11 to 24 April. These figures added to the 6,059 cases reported and 81 deaths registered between March 28 and April 11 bring the number to a total 108 dead and 7,998 cases since 28 March
In Nigeria too there is a concern for an outbreak of cholera in the centre of the country which has caused the death of between 60 and 100 people in two weeks. The most affected area is Makurdi main town in Benue state and the bacteria spreads through contaminated water. Last month 13 people died and 56 were admitted to hospital in an outbreak of cholera in the neighbouring state of Kogi.
Cholera is transmitted by the digestive tract by means of bacteria present in water and its symptoms are violence dysentery and serious dehydration (AP) (26/4/2005 Agenzia Fides; Righe:15 Parole:166)
