Cholera reported in eleven districts

Cholera has killed 19 people out of 581 cases reported in eleven districts of Cote d'Ivoire since the beginning of the year, with a marked increase in the number of cases since July, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Tuesday.

The UN agency however said local health authorities were implementing measures to control the outbreak and its country office was supporting efforts to contain the disease by providing medical supplies.

"There has been a marked increase in the number of cases from July 2002. A total of 11 districts throughout the country are still affected; Abidjan, Adzope, Bondoukou, Boundiali, Dimbokro, Ferkessedougou, Korhogo, Man, San Pedro, Seguela, Touba," WHO said.

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal water-borne disease that causes vomiting, diarrhoea and loss of bodily fluids that can lead to death if not treated promptly. It is spread through drinking contaminated drinking water or eating contaminated food.

Outbreaks can occur where water supplies, sanitation, food safety and hygiene practices are inadequate. The inhabitants of overpopulated communities with poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water supplies are most frequently affected, according to WHO.

In March 2001, cholera killed an undisclosed number of people in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire's economic capital of 2.8 million people and in other cities such as Abengourou, Divo, Tiassale and Touba.