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10K in Zimbabwe Hit by Cholera: UN

Oppositions puts number higher

By Drew Nelles,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 30, 2008 3:31 PM CST
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(Newser) – The UN says more than 400 Zimbabweans have died and 10,000 are ill as a result of cholera, the London Telegraph reports. But critics like opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai accuse the government of fudging even those high numbers, insisting that more than 500 have died and half a million are sick. The unprecedented outbreak has spread from rural to urban Zimbabwe as clean water becomes less and less accessible under a collapsing infrastructure.

Cholera spreads through dirty water and causes excessive vomiting and diarrhea. The internationally-isolated government of Robert Mugabe blames Western sanctions for the water crisis: "The only hindrance is that even if we tell people to first wash their hands before eating, how will they do so if there is no water?" an official tells the state media, quoted by the AP. 

A relative weeps at the funeral of her niece and unborn child, victims of a cholera outbreak in the capital of Harare.
A relative weeps at the funeral of her niece and unborn child, victims of a cholera outbreak in the capital of Harare.   (AP Photo)
A woman fetches water from an unprotected well in Glen View, Harare.
A woman fetches water from an unprotected well in Glen View, Harare.   (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)
Children walk past rain water and sewage near Harare. Cholera spreads through contaminated water.
Children walk past rain water and sewage near Harare. Cholera spreads through contaminated water.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Shannonals
Dec 3, 2008 1:59 AM CST
Hand soap

From the UN
UN News Centre

Free graves for cholera victims
Reuters

Mugabe, Tsvangirai still at odds
AFP

 
Zimbabwe • Robert Mugabe • Morgan Tsvangirai • health • water • water borne illness • Cholera

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