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Cholera Outbreak Grips Baghdad

Officials fear an epidemic when rains hit war-ravaged sewers

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 2, 2007 7:40 PM CST

(Newser) – Cholera cases have spiked in Baghdad since mid-November and will likely soar when rainy season comes, the Guardian reports. Officials fear that the downpours will spread dirty water from war-ravaged sewers and infect more Iraqis, particularly children; about 4,500 cases have already been tallied this year. “We have a catastrophe in Baghdad,” one Iraqi official said.

UNICEF is giving families rehydration salts and water purification pills, as well as clean water, to stem infection rates; it also urged Baghdad to clean water storage tanks. But most sewage companies won't work in violent areas, and even hospitals lack clean water. "Pollution of waterways by raw sewage is perhaps the greatest environmental and public health hazard facing Iraqis—particularly children," a UNICEF spokeswoman said.

Majida Hamid Ibrahim, 40, the first confirmed case of Cholera in the Iraqi capital, is seen in al-Sadr hospital in the Shiite neighborhood of Sadr City in Baghdad, Iraq in this Friday, Sept. 20, 2007,... (Associated Press)

Man suffering from cholera is treated in hospital in the city of Sulaimaniyah, 260 kilometers (160 miles) northeast of Baghdad on Sunday Sept. 2, 2007. After an outbreak of cholera in the northern province... (Associated Press)

Women suffering from cholera lie in hospital in the city of Sulaimaniyah, 260 kilometers (160 miles) northeast of Baghdad on Sunday Sept. 2, 2007. After an outbreak of cholera in the northern province... (Associated Press)

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Officials fear an epidemic when rains hit war-ravaged sewers

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Another Iraqi Blast Kills Dozens

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Kent Couch will lift off from Baghdad later this month

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Officials fear an epidemic when rains hit war-ravaged sewers

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Another Iraqi Blast Kills Dozens

Suicide bomber hits Shiite funeral

Brit Busted for Hawking the Butt of Saddam Statue

Brit firm founder an ex-soldier who removed section of toppled Baghdad statue

Wave of Bombings Targets Iraq's Shiites, Killing 72

Heightens fears that attacks will increase now that US has withdrawn

63 Dead as Explosions Rip Baghdad

First major violence after US troop pullout rattles Iraq

Lawn-Chair Balloonist Plans Flight Over Iraq

Kent Couch will lift off from Baghdad later this month

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Newser By Users

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