Cholera in Liberia - Update 3 18 August 2003 Disease Outbreak
Reported The WHO team in Monrovia is continuing to assess the
cholera situation, visiting cholera treatment centres and
sanitation and water facilities. Data on the number of cases and
deaths is very difficult to obtain (see previous report). There
have been cholera outbreaks in previous years in Monrovia,
especially during the rainy season. However, at the start of the
outbreak in early June this year there were approximately 200
cases per week, compared with 30 cases per week during the same
period in 2001 and 2002. In July 2003, there were 350 severe
cases per week; during the week of 11-18 August, there were 240
severe cases of cholera. The number of cases is likely to
increase in the near future because of the movement of
population and the lack of safe water. The increased level of
malnutrition has also added to the risk of more severe cases of
cholera. Working with partners, WHO plans to reactivate the
cholera control committee, disseminate