Cholera Epidemic spreads from Iraq to Iran--WHO expert
Pastor Dale Morgan
*Cholera Epidemic spreads from Iraq to Iran--WHO expert*
04 Oct 2007 12:44:18 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Stephanie Nebehay
GENEVA, Oct 4 (Reuters) - Cholera has jumped the border from Iraq to
Iran, highlighting the need for neighbouring countries to boost their
defences against the deadly disease, the World Health Organisation (WHO)
said on Thursday.
Cholera has struck at least 3,315 people in Iraq since mid-August,
killing at least 15. WHO global cholera coordinator Claire-Lise Chaignat
said that up to 10 cases have also been confirmed in Iran, near the
Iraqi border.
It was not clear whether these were Iraqi refugees or local Iranians,
according to the Swiss expert, who warned the epidemic could threaten
refugee camps in the region if not controlled.
"Some cases, around nine or 10, have been confirmed in Iran. The
situation seems contained," in the Islamic Republic, Chaignat told
Reuters in Geneva.
Cholera, which is continuing to spread within Iraq, can be carried by
refugees and pilgrims, and through normal trade, she said. "Borders are
permeable, closing them won't stop the germ."
The virulent disease is characterised by a sudden onset of acute watery
diarrhoea that in severe cases can cause death by dehydration and kidney
failure within hours. It is transmitted mainly through contaminated
water and food.
Iraq shares borders with Iran, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Kuwait and Saudi
Arabia. Some 60,000 Iraqis flee their homes each month and 2.2 million
Iraqis have crossed into neighbouring countries, mainly Syria and
Jordan, according to the United Nations.
"We are particularly worried about countries with Iraqi refugees where
they don't always have access to good water and sanitation and hygienic
conditions," Chaignat said. "It is important to catch the first cases
and treat them correctly."
Countries should stock up on intravenous fluids and oral rehydration
salts to combat dehydration in victims, she said.
The U.N. agency said it did not recommend any travel or trade
restrictions on Iraq. "However, neighbouring countries are encouraged to
reinforce their active surveillance and preparedness systems," it said
in a statement.
The majority of cases have been in northern Iraq, with some 2,300
reported in Kirkuk and 870 in Sulaimaniya.
Iraq's Health Ministry said on Monday that 15 people had died of cholera
to date.
Chaignat said cholera normally thrives in lower temperatures and warned
it could spread further in Iraq as the strong sun and heat which kill
the germ subside. "That is our fear," she said.
The number of cholera deaths has "remained low throughout the outbreak
indicating that those who have become sick have been able to access
adequate treatment on time", the WHO said.
The overall quality of water and sanitation in Iraq is "very poor",
which greatly facilitates cholera contamination.