Cholera in Iraq – Update

Disease Outbreak Reported

Disease Outbreak ReportedThe Public Health Laboratory in Kuwait has confirmed the presence of Vibrio cholera in samples taken from cases in 3 hospitals in Basra.The risk of a waterborne epidemic is very high because of the current security problems and lack of safe water. Experts are concerned about the spread of many pathogens which can produce outbreaks such as Shigella dysenteriae. Repair and maintenance of the water supply system are ongoing; and health education messages disseminated in communities could help control the outbreak.WHO does not recommend any restrictions on travel or trade to be taken against Iraq based on the cholera risk. As the outbreak is related to the lack of access to safe water neighbouring countries which are not facing the same difficulties should not be affected.(Source: World Health Organization, 13 May 2003)