Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) - An outbreak of cholera in San Tomé y Príncipe threatens to strike 80 per cent of the entire population.
Three weeks since the virus was identified at least 131 people have been infected and three have died.
Most of the 140,000 Islanders live not further than 10 km from the place with the virus was identified and doctors fear a violent spread of the lethal disease. UNICEF has sent medicines, hydrating salt and equipment for emergency treatment of patients.
What is most necessary is clean water and bathing for the affected communities to prevent the death of children the most vulnerable. It is also urgent to launch a campaign of information to prevent the diffusion of cholera transmitted by infected water or food, causing severe diarrhoea and dehydration.
Unless the people are informed and preventative measures are taken and patients are properly treated the outbreak could affect 50 of the population.
See info in Italian http://www.fides.org/ita/sanita/2004/colera01.html
(AP) (11/5/2005 Agenzia Fides; Righe:19; Parole:206)
