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Zimbabwe Cholera Outbreak Now Infects 60K

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 30, 2009 7:17 AM CST
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(Newser) – Zimbabwe’s cholera epidemic has now infected more than 60,000 people, a number the World Health Organization had previously pegged as the “worst case scenario,” the BBC reports. More than 3,000 have died from the disease since its August outbreak, and with Zimbabwe’s water, sanitation, and health systems in tatters, the crisis “showed no signs of abating,” the WHO said.

Political unrest has left Zimbabwe with nearly worthless currency, causing many hospitals to shut down. Towns are plagued by poor water supplies, broken sewers, and uncollected waste, and aid workers fear the upcoming rainy season will make matters even worse. “We are dealing with an extraordinary public health crisis that requires from us all an extraordinary emergency response,” said one UN doctor.

A woman suspected to be suffering from cholera, is transported in a wheelbarrow to a clinic for treatment, in Harare, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008.
A woman suspected to be suffering from cholera, is transported in a wheelbarrow to a clinic for treatment, in Harare, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Relatives work to cover the grave of Martha William who died from cholera in Harare, Zimbabwe Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009.
Relatives work to cover the grave of Martha William who died from cholera in Harare, Zimbabwe Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009.   (AP Photo)
Cholera patients lie in beds in Budiriro clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009.
Cholera patients lie in beds in Budiriro clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009.   (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)
In this Dec. 10, 2008, file photo a patient suffering from cholera receives treatment at a clinic in Harare.
In this Dec. 10, 2008, file photo a patient suffering from cholera receives treatment at a clinic in Harare.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Guest
Jan 29, 2009 8:34 PM CST
I would agree- not necessarily with the assassination part, but how can world leaders watch 60,000 sick people spread disease to others? An outbreak really must be contained before it gets to the point where the WHO is saying it is "worst case scenario". Although it may prove difficult, something should be done.
Michael_CT
Jan 29, 2009 8:11 PM CST
and the world leaders just watch... some one assasinate the bastard.

US envoy tours clinic to assess cholera epidemic
Voice of America

Zimbabwe gives up on its currency, will use dollars and pounds
BBC

'Bad service causing cholera'
Independent (South Africa)

 
United Nations • Zimbabwe • World Health Organization • cholera

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