In Brief: Cholera claims 20 lives in Congo

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Health

2011-08-30

Cholera has killed 20 people among 341 infected in Congo since an outbreak began in June, officials said.

Cholera is believed to have spread from DRC

The outbreak is thought to have spread from neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Two of the fatalities occurred in Brazzaville, said Director-General of Health Alexis Elira Dokekias. Most cases were reported in the northern areas of Likouala and Cuvette, notably along the Congo River, which marks the border with DRC, where a cholera epidemic that began in March 2011 has killed 300 people out of 3,000 cases.

Dokekias said health authorities had responded to the outbreak by increasing free medical care and sentinel surveillance as well as encouraging better hygiene in affected areas.

Source: IRIN