Cholera Outbreak in Senegal Kills Two, Infects 82 Others

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Two people have died of cholera in this West African nation's capital, while 82 others have contracted the waterborne disease, the health minister said Tuesday.

DAKAR, Senegal — Two people have died of cholera in this West African nation's capital, while 82 others have contracted the waterborne disease, the health minister said Tuesday.


In comments broadcast on state radio, Issa Mbaye Samb called on Dakar residents to observe basic hygienic practices and urged family members to take those who develop symptoms such as diarrhea to health centers for treatment.


"Treatment is free, and lives can be saved if patients are reported to health centers at an early stage," Samb said.


The first case was reported in the capital, Dakar, on Oct. 11. No cases have been reported outside the capital yet, Samb said.


Cholera is mainly contracted through people consuming contaminated food or water. Epidemics are linked to poor hygiene, overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and unsafe water. It attacks the intestine and can cause death by severe dehydration resulting from diarrhea.


The last cholera outbreak in Senegal was in 1996.


Source: Associated Press