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Cholera outbreak feared in Iraq BBC On-lind, 7th May 2003 The World Health Organization (WHO) says it expects a cholera epidemic in southern Iraq because of problems with poor sanitation. WHO disease specialist Denis Coulombier estimated that there were 10 times the number of cholera cases than the 17 registered in Basra since Tuesday. Another WHO official said the organisation "feared hundreds of cases". We expect a cholera epidemic in southern Iraq and we fear hundreds of cases Fadila Shaib WHO Although cholera is always present in Basra, particularly in the hot months, the number of cases reported in a 24-hour period is causing alarm, says the BBC's Jane Peel in Basra. The WHO is meeting British troops who control the region, the Red Cross and local health officials to step up efforts to improve sanitation in the area in a bid to avert the epidemic. Tests on the 17 cases are being carried out in Kuwait and the results will be known on Thursday, WHO spokeswoman Fadila Shaib said. Constant threat Doctors in Basra's main hospital have also reported a significant rise in the number of cases of diarrhoea, gastro-enteritis and dehydration - particularly among young children. The current outbreak is being blamed on disruption and damage to the water supplies caused by the recent conflict in Iraq. Many water pipes were broken during the looting that took place after the war. Repairing the damage has been slow because of the lack of security on the streets, our correspondent says. Hospital workers say sewage is not being disposed of, and rubbish is only being collected intermittently, which adds to the problem. People in the region who do not have access to potable water were urged to boil water before drinking it. Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/3008035.stm Published: 2003/05/07 16:18:45 © BBC MMIII _______________________________________________ Sent via the discussion list of the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq. To unsubscribe, visit http://lists.casi.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/casi-discuss To contact the list manager, email casi-discuss-admin@lists.casi.org.uk All postings are archived on CASI's website: http://www.casi.org.uk