Wüstenschiff

Cholera in Nord-Namibia, Engela-Distrikt
12.03.2008

Bisher wurden über 80 mögliche Choleraerkrankte gemeldet.

Quelle: Allgemeine Zeitung Namibia

Gruß
Birgitt

CHOLERA, DIARRHEA & DYSENTERY UPDATE 2008 (15)
**********************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

In this update:
Africa
[1] Cholera - Somalia (Gedo)
[2] Cholera - Namibia (Ohangwena)
[3] Cholera - Tanzania (Arusha)
[4] Cholera - Uganda (Arua)
[5] Cholera - Mozambique, Zimbabwe
[6] Cholera - Zimbabwe (Mashonaland Central)

******
[1] Cholera - Somalia (Gedo)
Date: Tue 11 Mar 2008
Source: AllAfrica, The Nation (Nairobi) report [edited]
<http://allafrica.com/stories/200803111326.html>


Dr Abdinur Farah Mohamud alias Dr Karey, the head of Beled-Hawa district in
Gedo region, has announced that the district is affected by cholera. The
district, which is next to Mandera town in Kenya, has been overwhelmed by
heat wave and high humidity, accelerating the clinical effects of the
bacterial infection, according to Dr Karey.

The highly infectious disease has hit the area hard and so far 24 people
have died. Many others have been admitted to medical centers, especially
the district hospital. Dr Karey said that the district authorities have
been alerted by escalating public complaints of diarrhoeic illnesses.

"Stool samples taken from patients to Kenya has proven the prevalence of
cholera causing bacteria," said Dr Karey. The medical office warned that
unless the right steps are taken, the district and surrounding areas would
be devastated.

According to a medical team, the inhabitants of the district and the
thousands who migrated to the area for safety have been affected not only
by cholera but also by other milder illnesses but with harmful effects.

[byline: Abdulkadir Khalif]

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[A map of Somalia showing the Gedo region can be found at
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... omalia.pdf>. - Mod.LL]

******
[2] Cholera - Namibia (Ohangwena)
Date: Tue 11 Mar 2008
Source: AllAfrica, New Era (Windhoek) report [edited]
<http://allafrica.com/stories/200803110236.html>


A cholera outbreak has killed one person and infected dozens more in
northern Namibia, where floods that have displaced thousands of people are
widely spreading the disease.

Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Richard Kamwi, yesterday [10 Mar
2008] said during the past week 72 suspected cases of cholera were reported
at the Engela Health District. Of these, 4 were confirmed as cholera cases.
Engela is in the Ohangwena Region. Yesterday's The Namibian newspaper
reported that the Engela State Hospital had been completely cut off by
floodwater.

The disease outbreak comes as a result of overflowing sewerage oxidation
ponds and VIP toilets resulting in contamination of the floodwater, which
some villagers use for human consumption. "The provision of health services
is heavily compromised by the floods in the northern regions," the minister
said. The ministry has put up a special emergency treatment facility where
all suspected cases should be reported.

[byline: Petronella Sibeene]

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[A map of Namibia showing the province of Ohangwena in the north can be
found at <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohangwena>. It borders the Angolan
province of Cunene, which has had cholera activity as well. - Mod.LL]

******
[3] Cholera - Tanzania (Arusha)
Date: Sun 9 Mar 2008
Source: AllAfrica, Arusha Times report [edited]
<http://allafrica.com/stories/200803090030.html>


Arusha Municipal authorities say the cholera epidemic is still prevalent in
the city and its environs mainly because of poor hygienic conditions. This
was sounded in Arusha by the Arusha Municipality mayor Lawrence Heddi when
he was speaking to the media last week [2-9 Mar 2008].

Heddi told news reporters that the water-borne disease was still a very
serious epidemic in Arusha as 160 people were admitted over the period of
January-February 2008. The mayor gave the break down of victims as follows:
64 males and 30 females came from Sokon I, Muriet, and Sombetini wards.
From neighbourhood areas in Arumeru district, 31 females and 33 males were
admitted. These came from Kiranyi, Ilkiurei, Kioga, and Siwandeti.

[byline: Stanley Daniel]

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[The province and city of Arusha are in north central Tanzania and can be
seen on a map at
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... nzania.pdf>. - Mod.LL]

******
[4] Cholera - Uganda (Arua)
Date: Tue 4 Mar 2008
Source: AllAfrica, The Monitor (Kampala) report [edited]
<http://allafrica.com/stories/200803041185.html>


A total of 6 people died of cholera in River Oli division in Arua district.
The most affected areas include Kenya, Tanganyika, and Pangisha. Latest
statistics show that 70 cases have been reported since the outbreak began
in January 2008.

The assistant town clerk, Mr Alfred Oyo, said the division lacks funds for
purchasing basic facilities to contain the spread. He attributed the
outbreak to dense population, poor waste disposal, and blocked drainage.
The health team has now embarked on a sensitisation exercise to communities
to have better hygiene and sanitation as a measure to stem the spread

[byline: Proscovia Acan, Warom Felix Okello]

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[Arua, in north western Uganda, can be found on a map at
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... uganda.pdf>. - Mod.LL]

******
[5] Cholera - Mozambique, Zimbabwe
Date: Tue 4 Mar 2008
Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA),
ReliefWeb, Int Fed of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies report [edited]
<http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db9 ... enDocument>


Mozambique has been affected by a cholera outbreak that hit several areas.
"Cholera is spreading to 8 provinces rapidly. The Tete province is the most
affected. It is flood-related and about 20 people are getting sick per
day," says Ernestina Jama, the Mozambique Red Cross Society's health
coordinator. "A health technician is working there now to support the
volunteers," she adds. These volunteers are carrying out door-to-door
visits to educate people, hand out medicine and tablets for water
purification. But despite all efforts, the situation is worsening. In
Mutarara district, 825 cases have been reported and 14 people have already
died.

Out of 11 provinces in the country, cholera has spread to Zambezia, Tete,
Sofala, Manica Province, Cabo Delgado, Gaza, Maputo, and Maputo City
Province. Countrywide, 48 people died and a total of 4452 people have been
infected.

When the outbreak started in Mozambique in October 2007, 100 cholera cases
were reported daily in some provinces. In Maputo province and in the
capital province itself 80 cases needed urgent treatment on a daily basis.
"That number has gone down to 2 people per day," says Jama. "But in Cabo
Delgado the epidemic is increasing."

Cholera has also spread across the border to neighboring Zimbabwe where the
National Red Cross Society is also fighting to prevent new cases, which
occur on a daily basis in the 2 provinces of Mashonaland Central and East.

Reports indicate that traders crossing the Mozambique border to conduct
informal business may have been infected with the disease, but also the
contamination of water in flooded areas contributed to the outbreak in
Zimbabwe, which resulted in 92 cases of cholera and 9 people losing their
lives.

In Mashonaland Central, the 2 districts of Mt Darwin and Centenary are
affected. In Mudzi District, in Mashonaland East, the outbreak was first
reported at Kotwa Growth Point Hospital and currently 35 people have been
admitted and are been treated.

[byline: Martina Schwikowski]

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[The areas in Mozambique mentioned can be found on a map at
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... zambiq.pdf>. A map of
Zimbabwe is provided in the next post. - Mod.LL]

******
[6] Cholera - Zimbabwe (Mashonaland Central)
Date: Thu 6 Mar 2008
Source: IOL (Independent Online, South Africa) [edited]
<http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1 ... 390C720937>


Reports said on Thursday [6 Mar 2008], 4 more people have died from cholera
in Zimbabwe, bringing the total number of deaths from the disease to at
least 15 in the last month. The deaths come after an outbreak of cholera
was reported in the capital Harare this week [3-9 Mar 2008].

The 4 latest deaths were recorded last week in Shamva, a town in north
eastern Zimbabwe, said the state-controlled Herald newspaper. "We have
already deployed a team in the area to monitor the situation since the 1st
death on 26 Feb 2008," Edward Mabhiza, a senior official in the health
ministry, was quoted as saying. In February, 11 people were reported to
have died from cholera in Muzarabani and Mudzi, in Mashonaland Central
province.

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[The area discussed is in Mashonaland Central and can be found on a map of
the country at
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... mbabwe.pdf>. The
outbreaks discussed in this update can also be found on the
HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map at <http://www.healthmap.org/promed>.
- Mod.LL]

MENINGITIS, MENINGOCOCCAL - BURKINA FASO
****************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: Thu 6 Mar 2008
Source: AFP [edited]
<http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gmr ... i2s7exTXkg>


A meningitis outbreak in Burkina Faso has infected thousands of people,
killing hundreds, in the past 2 months, the health ministry told the AFP
Thursday [6 March 2008]. "We have identified 3181 suspected cases of
meningitis from 1 Jan 2008 until 2 Mar 2008, of whom 366 have died," said
Doctor Ousmane Badolo, head of epidemiology surveillance at the ministry of
health.

Fourteen districts are affected, 5 of which have declared a state of
epidemic. Of those, 2 have been downgraded following vaccination campaigns.
Badolo said Burkina Faso had enough vaccines to cover all infected
districts although needs could change if the outbreak worsens.

Meningitis is very contagious, causing fever, dizziness, vomiting, and a
stiff neck. It becomes an epidemic when 10 out of 100 000 inhabitants have
contracted it. Health minister Alain Bedouma announced Wednesday [5 Mar
2008] that Burkina Faso managed to raise over 4.5 million euros [7 025
217.87 USD] from numerous international donor countries and organisations
for a plan to fight the disease that was set up in 2007. In 2007 an
epidemic killed more than 2000 people in 9 West African countries, 75 per
cent of them in Burkina Faso, according to United Nations agencies.

--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail rapporteur Brent Barrett

[The meningococcal meningitis outbreak in Burkina Faso continues to worsen.
According to a prior ProMED-mail post (Meningitis, meningococcal - Africa:
meningitis belt 20080225.0756), Burkina Faso was the most affected country
with a total of 1422 cases, including 204 deaths (case fatality rate 14.3
per cent) reported from 1 Jan to 10 Feb 2008. At that time these cases
represent more than 61 per cent of all cases reported to the WHO
Multi-Disease Surveillance Centre in 2008 (against 64 per cent for the same
period in 2007). _Neisseria meningitidis_ serogroup A was identified as the
causative agent in 2 of the Burkina Faso districts, where vaccination
targeted the 2 to 29 year old population. See prior ProMED-mail posts
listed below for more information.

A map of the African bacterial meningitis belt can be found at
<http://www.medic8.com/images/map4-9.gif>. - Mod.ML]

CHOLERA, DIARRHEA & DYSENTERY UPDATE 2008 ( 16 )
**********************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

In this update:
Africa
[1] Cholera - Angola (Namibe)
[2] Cholera - Namibia (Ohangwena)
[3] Diarrhea, fatal - Nigeria (Anambra)
[4] Cholera - Zimbabwe (Mashonaland West)
[5] Cholera - Uganda (Arua)

******
[1] Cholera - Angola (Namibe)
Date: Fri 14 Mar 2008
Source: Angola Press (ANGOP) [edited]
<http://www.angolapress-angop.ao/noticia-e.asp?ID=602550>


At least 5 people died of cholera, out of the 29 cases recorded in Virei
District, south western Namibe Province, since 9 Feb 2008, ANGOP has
learned. The provincial director of health, Pedro Viyayauka, said other 45
cases were recorded in Namibe District in the same month, totalling 74 in
the whole province.

There is medicine and medical assistance, he said, adding that people are
advised to follow the preventive measures.

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[The province of Namibe in the south west corner of the country can be seen
on a map at <http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... angola.pdf>.
- Mod.LL]

******
[2] Cholera - Namibia (Ohangwena)
Date: Fri 14 March 2008
Source: AllAfrica, New Era (Windhoek) report [edited]
<http://allafrica.com/stories/200803140404.html>


Nine more suspected cholera cases have been reported in the north, bringing
to 137 the number of infected people in a week. Under-secretary in the
Ministry of Health and Social Services, Dr Norbert Foster, yesterday
afternoon [13 Mar 2008] told New Era that the number of suspected cholera
cases increased from 128 on Wednesday [12 Mar 2008) to 137 in one day.

Since the disease broke out last Saturday [8 Mar 2008], 2 deaths have been
recorded. Of the reported cases, 8 have been confirmed as cholera and 14
patients are admitted at Engela State Hospital. Foster says the rise in the
number of suspected cholera cases is expected given the water situation in
the North. The ministry together with stakeholders is, however, trying to
bring the situation under control by intensifying community awareness on
cholera. Water purification sachets have been distributed to communities
but according to Forster, not every community might have been reached yet.
While water purification remains key to preventing the spread of the
disease, Foster says boiling water might not be easy especially among
communities in villages that heavily depend on firewood for energy.

[byline: Petronella Sibeene]

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[A map of Namibia showing the province of Ohangwena in the north can be
found at <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohangwena>. It borders the Angolan
province of Cunene, which has had cholera activity as well. - Mod.LL]

******
[3] Diarrhea, fatal - Nigeria (Anambra)
Date: Fri 14 Mar 2008
Source: The Vanguard (Lagos) [edited]
<http://www.vanguardngr.com/index.php?op ... &Itemid=45>


Following an outbreak of diarrhea 9 children have been reported dead in
Aguata local government area. Acting chairman of the council, Mr Richard
Obi who spoke to newsmen on the outbreak of the endemic disease said the
affected children were between the ages of one and 3 years. 4 of the
children died at a private hospital in Nkpologwu while 5 children died at a
private hospital in Ekwulobia.

Obi said the local government had to quickly rush to the aid of the
hospitals to save further deaths by distributing 50 cartons of ORT [oral
rehydration therapy] to all the health centers in the council area.

Apart from the area of health, Obi said the council had paid its own
counterpart fund of N19, under the EU project for the provision of
boreholes in the local government area, adding that presently, 15 boreholes
were being drilled in 10 selected communities in Aguata.

[byline: Enyim Enyim]

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[The etiology of this outbreak is not stated but Anambra is located in
southern Nigeria, not far from where outbreaks of cholera in the Delta and
Cross Rivers states have occurred. The states can be found on a map of
Nigeria at <http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... igeria.pdf>.
- Mod.LL]

******
[4] Cholera - Zimbabwe (Mashonaland West)
Date: Thu 13 Mar 2008
Source: AllAfrica, The Herald (Harare) report [edited]
<http://allafrica.com/stories/200803130130.html>


A cholera outbreak suspected to be affecting mostly fishmongers along the
Zambezi River and Kariba has hit parts of the Sanyati Gorge and Hurungwe in
Mashonaland West Province.

However, health officials said intervention and assessment of the full
extent of the outbreak was being hampered by the areas' inaccessibility
because of the bad state of the roads. The affected areas include Mudzimu,
Mafanzou, Mutambirwa, and the Gache Gache area.

Mashonaland West provincial medical director Dr Wenceslaus Nyamayaro
confirmed the outbreak adding that efforts were underway to get to the
affected areas and render assistance. "There is an outbreak but current
efforts to get to the affected areas are being hampered by the terrain in
the area because our personnel have to go down the gorge to get to the
affected people especially in the Sanyati Gorge," he said. Dr Nyamayaro
urged people travelling to affected areas to practise hygiene and to ensure
they consumed heated food and drank boiled water.

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[The outbreak is in Mashonaland West in north central Zimbabwe. The
province can be seen on a map at
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... mbabwe.pdf>. - Mod.LL]

******
[5] Cholera - Uganda (Arua)
Date: Thu 13 March 2008
Source: AllAfrica, New Vision (Kampala) report [edited]
<http://allafrica.com/stories/200803140016.html>


So far, 6 people have died of cholera in Arua district. According to the
district director for health services, Dr Patrick Anguzu, 280 cases had
been recorded between 1 Jan 2008 and 9 Mar 2008. On Saturday and Sunday
[8-9 Mar 2008] alone, over 30 patients were admitted at Oli, the main
treatment center. Anguzu said the majority of the patients were from Oli,
Tanganyika, Adalafu, and Kenya wards. The crowded slums lack water and
sanitation facilities, he added.

The disease, which was reported in January 2008, Anguzu added, had been
also reported in Offaka, Okollo, Ajia, and Pajulu sub-counties. Anguzu
commended the Medecins Sans Frontieres for providing tents to create more
room at the isolation ward and the United Nations Children's fund [UNICEF]
and the health ministry for availing the drugs.

Anguzu added that although the cholera outbreak could be blamed on poor
sanitation, it was also exacerbated by the inconsistent water supply by the
National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC). A water shortage hit Arua
town in January 2008 when supply was cut off due to mechanical and power
problems. Officials at NWSC blamed the power shortage on the West Nile
Rural Electrification Company, which reduced supply from 18 hours to only 5
a day. David Ocema, the NWSC plant overseer, said there was insufficient
electricity to run the purifying plant.

[byline: Frank Mugabi]

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[Arua, in northwestern Uganda, can be found on a map at
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... uganda.pdf>. - Mod.LL]

Burkina Faso - Meningokokken-Krankheit
17.03.2008

Mit der Trockenzeit läuft in den Ländern Afrikas, in denen diese sog. "epidemische Hirnhautentzündung" verbreitet ist, die diesjährige Erkrankungssaison. Burkina Faso ist auch in diesem Jahr wieder das am stärksten betroffene Land, obwohl die Fallzahlen in der gesamten Region insgesamt niedriger sind als im Vorjahr. Reisende sollten sich vor einer Reise in die betreffenden Länder durch einen erfahrenen Arzt beraten lassen und mit einem sog. "Vierfachimpfstoff" geimpft sein, vor allem bei Kontakten zur einheimischen Bevölkerung. / Quelle: crm

Namibia - Darminfektionen
19.03.2008

Risiko für Durchfallerkrankungen landesweit, derzeit nach schweren Regenfällen besonders im Norden. Seit März gibt es dort auch örtliche Cholera-Ausbrüche mit steigenden Fallzahlen. Insgesamt wurden bisher 182 Erkrankungen mit 2 Todesfällen registriert. Betroffen sind die drei nördlichen Regionen Ohangwena, Omusati und Oshana. -Namibia war als eines der ersten afrikanischen Länder seit 1990 frei von Poliomyelitis. Durch Wiedereinschleppungen von Wildvirus Typ 1 aus dem benachbarten Angola kam es 1993 und 2006 mit 53 bzw. etwa 150 Erkrankungen (davon 19 nachgewiesen) zu regionalen Ausbrüchen, die nach flächendeckenden Impfkampagnen rasch unter Kontrolle waren. Seit vorigem Jahr wurden keine weiteren Erkrankungesfälle gemeldet. Hygiene und Impfschutz (Polio) bei Reisen beachten. / Quelle: crm

CHOLERA, DIARRHEA & DYSENTERY UPDATE 2008 (17)
**********************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

In this update:
Africa
[1] Cholera - Namibia (Ohangwena)
[2] Cholera - Angola (Cunene)
[3] Cholera - Angola (Huambo)
[4] Cholera - Angola (Benguela)
[5], [6] Cholera, acute watery diarrhea (AWD) - Somalia (Hiran)

*****
[1] Cholera - Namibia (Ohangwena)
Date: Thu 20 Mar 2008
Source: AllAfrica & New Era (Windhoek) [edited]
<http://allafrica.com/stories/200803200349.html>


Another person has died of cholera in the Ohangwena Region, bringing
the death toll to 3 since a cholera outbreak was announced almost 3 weeks ago.

The number of suspected cholera cases continues to rise with the
figure standing at 455 by yesterday [19 Mar 2008]. Oshana Regional
Health Director, Dr. Naftali Hamata confirmed that the number of
suspected cholera cases has shot up. He said Engela State Hospital by
yesterday morning [19 Mar 2008] had 270 suspected cases while Odibo
Health Centre had 120 cases and Okatope recorded 65 cases. All age
groups are affected. Dr. Hamata said in most cases where there is
cholera endemic, the most affected are children especially those
below the age of 5. The sudden rise in suspected cholera cases is
partly blamed on lack of water purification chemicals. Dr. Hamata
said although all health facilities in the region have water
purification sachets, not every individual has access to them due to
inaccessibility brought about by floods.

He told New Era that plans are underway to engage the Ministry of
Education in the distribution of the crucial water purification
chemicals. He explained that health officials would have to
distribute the purification tablets at schools so that pupils can
take them home. The health official urged people in Ohangwena to "try
to get water purification tablets and use them properly."

[Byline: Petronella Sibeene]

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[A map of Namibia showing the province of Ohangwena in the north can
be found at
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohangwena>.
It borders the Angolan province of Cunene, which has had cholera
activity as well -- see below. - Mod.LL]

*****
[2] Cholera - Angola (Cunene)
Date: Wed 19 Mar 2008
Source: Angola Press [edited]
<http://www.angolapress-angop.ao/noticia-e.asp?ID=603972>


8 new cases of cholera have been reported in the last 24 hours by
Ondjiva hospital, in southern Cunene province, announced Wednesday
[19 Mar 2008] by a health official.

Speaking to ANGOP, nurse Francisco Alberto mentioned the poor
hygienic condition and the lack of treatment of water by residents as
the main source of the disease. Francisco Alberto stated that, with
these new cases, the number of people with the disease in the
hospital stands at 17, including 3 children.

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[Cunene is in southern Angola and has its southern border with
Namibia, adjacent to where a recent cholera outbreak is recorded -- see above.
Cunene can be seen on a map at:
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... angola.pdf>. - Mod.LL]

*****
[3] Cholera - Angola (Huambo)
Date: Tue 18 Mar 2008
Source: AllAfrica & Angola Press Agency (Luanda) [edited]
<http://allafrica.com/stories/200803181122.html>


The health authorities in Angola's central Huambo province Tuesday
[18 Mar 2008] here declared a cholera outbreak in the provincial
capital city, following the death in the last 5 days of 9 people at
Bom Pastor suburb, Angop learned.

Huambo city health director, Jaime David Muenhombo, said the samples
sent to the national laboratory of public health, in Luanda, indicate
the existence of cholera, at a time the cases of the disease tend to
rise in the surrounding areas of the provincial capital.

Jaime David Muenhombo said as well a center for treatment of the
disease has been opened in Huambo Central Hospital, where 21 cases
have been recorded. According to him, there are medicines and other
means to control the spread and treat the disease in the region.

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[The western border of Huambo is with Benguela where a cholera
outbreak is noted in the next post. Huambo can be seen on a map at:
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... angola.pdf>.
- Mod.LL]

*****
[4] Cholera - Angola (Benguela)
Date: Mon 17 Mar 2008
Source: Angola Press [edited]
<http://www.angolapress-angop.ao/noticia-e.asp?ID=603172>


3 people, including 2 children, died of cholera last week [9-15 Mar
2008] in Luacho locality, Baia Farta district, central Benguela
province, a local source has informed. The local chieftain, Jose
Costa Seculo said the deaths where recorded at home and that in the
same period another 12 cases were recorded in the same locality.

An awareness campaign on preventive measures is underway so as to
avoid more deaths. Meanwhile, the heavy rains falling in the region
may worsen the situation.

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[The location of Benguela in west-central Angola can be found on a map at:
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... angola.pdf>. - Mod.LL]

*****
[5] Cholera, acute watery diarrhea (AWD) - Somalia (Hiran)
Date: Tue 18 Mar 2008
Source: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN) [edited]
<http://allafrica.com/stories/200803180772.html>


A number of people have died in the town of Beletweyne, the Hiran
regional capital in central Somalia, following an outbreak of acute
watery diarrhea (AWD), medical sources said on 17 Mar 2008.

"At least 3 people have been confirmed dead [from the disease] in
Beletweyne," said Nahashon Erupe, the program coordinator for the
International Medical Corps (IMC), in Beletweyne. Erupe said 516 cases
of AWD had been recorded between 16 Feb 2008 and 9 Mar 2008.

The IMC, he added, had set up a treatment center on 12 Mar 2008 and
suspected it was dealing with an outbreak of cholera, being the lead
humanitarian agency for cholera response in the area.

A local humanitarian worker, who requested anonymity, said the
situation in Beletweyne was stabilizing but expressed concern for
outlying villages. In the village of Omaad, 50km [31 miles] north of
Beletweyne, 4 people in a family of 12 were reported to have died of
AWD. "Unfortunately, we are having difficulties in accessing some of
these villages due to lack of transport or insecurity or both," the
aid worker said.

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<promed@promedmail.org>

*****
[6] Cholera, acute watery diarrhea - Somalia (Hiran)
Date: Fri 14 Mar 2008
Source: UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs [edited]
<http://reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SI ... enDocument>


Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD)/Cholera update
------------------------------------------
By the beginning of the reporting week (8 Mar 2008), at least 6
deaths and 234 cases of AWD were reported in Hiran district.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the United Nations (UN) are
working and planning to control the outbreak. Save the Children (UK)
is conducting health education through 4 local NGOs and disseminating
cholera control and sanitation messages. The local NGO HICDO is
conducting garbage collection campaigns in the town as well as
educating people on the importance of hygiene in relation to AWD.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[In some places, the term 'acute watery diarrhea' implies cholera.
Hiran (or Hiraan) can be seen in central Somalia north of Mogadishu
on a map at:
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... omalia.pdf>. - Mod.LL]

LASSA FEVER - NIGERIA: (EBONYI)
*******************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: Fri 21 Mar 2008
Source: AllAfrica, Vanguard (Lagos) report [edited]
<http://allafrica.com/stories/200803210439.html>


Medical experts from the Federal Ministry of Health have confirmed
that Lassa fever, a virus disease carried by rodents like rats,
caused the recent death of 2 medical doctors at the Ebonyi State
University Teaching Hospital (EBSUTH).

As a result the state government has declared war on rats as a way of
curtailing the spread of the virus.

Yesterday [20 Mar 2008], Dr Mike Ochoga, leader of a team of medical
experts from Abuja to Abakaliki, said that although investigation is
still ongoing, definitive diagnosis identified the virus, Lassa
fever, which he said was first reported in Ebonyi state in 2005, as
the killer of the medical doctor that died recently in EBSUTH.

He explained that the 1st victim had already died and had been buried
before his team was invited and so they could not definitely say that
his death was also caused by Lassa fever since no specimen from his
remains was tested.

Dr Ochoga revealed that Lassa fever was first discovered in Borno
state, Nigeria in 1969 in a village called Lassa; hence the name
Lassa fever.

Two medical doctors had recently died in EBSUTH in quick succession,
resulting in the invitation of medical experts from the Federal
Ministry of Health, Abuja to investigate the matter. Subsequently,
the Ebonyi state government has declared that since Lassa fever virus
is being carried by a special type of rat that is common in West
Africa, the state's ministry of health has decided to carry out
enlightenment campaigns against bush burning and rat hunting for
consumption.

Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr Sunday Nwangene said: "In
fact we shall be encouraging people to kill all rats in their houses;
my environmental officers will go about rat decapitation and
fumigation of possible environments like the teaching hospital has
just done."

Nwangene stated that government's reaction was sparked off by the
sudden death of a medical doctor in his prime, early this month
[March 2008], at EBSUTH where a similar death was recorded on 23 Jan
[2008].

Speaking in a statewide sensitization campaign for health workers,
the health commissioner said: "It is quite proper to inform you of
the reason for your gathering this noon...it is simply because of an
outbreak of a disease threatening the precious lives of everyone
including you since January this year [2008] and appears to have
summoned more courage in its severity of morbidity and frightening
mortality." The commissioner explained that Lassa fever is a viral
disease carried by rodents like rats, stressing that the virus
infects humans with its infected urine, saliva, and stool
contaminating human food, adding that it could spread among humans
through contact with infected body fluids.

[Byline: Dennis Agbo]

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail Rapporteur Brent Barrett

[It is not clear if laboratory diagnosis of Lassa fever virus was
made in the 2nd case cited in this article. ProMED-mail would
appreciate receiving confirmation. Lassa fever virus, in the
arenavirus family, is endemic in West Africa in the rodent _Mastomys_
spp. A description of Lassa fever and its epidemiology, with an image
of _Mastomys_ can be accessed at
<http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpa ... lassaf.htm>.

Lassa fever is a common infection in West Africa, with estimates that
range from 100 000 - 300 000 cases annually with 5000 deaths.
Prevention of transmission from rodents to people requires continuous
rodent control. This is extraordinarily difficult to get ordinary
people to do in the absence of human cases in their immediate
vicinity. Many cases occur in hospital settings, where barrier
nursing is not practiced and staff are exposed to blood, exudates,
and excreta from infected patients. Infection of health care staff is
common.

A map of Nigeria showing the provinces can be accessed at
<http://www.ngex.com/nigeria/places/default.htm>. - Mod.TY

Although Lassa fever is endemic, not emerging, in West Africa, the
justification for reporting it on ProMED, which focuses on emerging
diseases, is that it is a hemorrhagic fever. - Mod.JW]

Angola - Darminfektionen
25.03.2008

Risiko für Durchfallerkrankungen landesweit. Nachdem die Cholera-Epidemie von 2006 im letzten Jahr weitgehend abgeklungen war, steigen die Fallzahlen nach Beginn der jetzigen Regenzeit regional erneut an. Am stärksten betroffen sind wiederum die hygienisch schlecht versorgten Viertel der Hauptstadt Luanda sowie der Süden der Cunene-Provinz; hier besteht offensichtlich ein Zusammenhang mit der aktuellen Krankheitswelle im benachbarten Namibia (siehe dort). Örtliche oder regionale Ausbrüche wurden auch aus den Provinzen Benguela, Namibe und Huila (SW), Kwanza Sul (W-zentral) sowie Huambo (zentral) gemeldet, wo auch die gleichnamige Provinzhauptstadt betroffen ist. Polio zirkuliert nach einer Pause von 4 Jahren durch Reimporte erneut im Lande, und zwar 2005 mit 10, 2006 mit 2 und 2007 mit 8 nachgewiesenen paralytischen Erkrankungen. In diesem Jahr wurde bisher ein Fall gemeldet. Hygiene und Impfschutz (Polio) beachten. / Quelle: crm

CHOLERA, DIARRHEA & DYSENTERY UPDATE 2008 ( 18 )
**********************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

In this update:
Africa
[1] Cholera - Mozambique (Nampula)
[2] Cholera - Namibia (Ohangwena)
[3] Cholera - Zambia (Lusaka)
[4] Cholera - Angola (Huambo)

******
[1] Cholera - Mozambique (Nampula)
Date: Tue 25 Mar 2008
Source: AllAfrica, Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique (Maputo) report [edited]
<http://allafrica.com/stories/200803250758.html>


There have now been 18 confirmed cases of cholera in the northern
Mozambican province of Nampula since the outbreak of the disease on
Saturday [22 Mar 2008]. Of these cases, 7 were admitted to the
cholera treatment ward on Monday [24 Mar 2008], reports Tuesday's
issue of the Maputo daily "Noticias".

The outbreak in Nampula city began in just 2 residential
neighborhoods, Namicopo and Muatala, but has now spread to at least 3
others (Napipine, Mutuanha, and Muhala-Expansao). One case was
reported from an overcrowded Nampula prison. The head of the
community health services in the Provincial Health Directorate,
Antonio Salimo, expressed serious concern that the epidemic could
spread very easily among the inmates of the jail, given its
unhygienic conditions.

Salimo added that Memba district has been reporting cases of diarrhea
among adults, and it is feared that these are cholera cases. Samples
were sent for analysis in the provincial laboratory. Health
authorities have dispatched more health staff to that coastal
district, and brigades have also been reactivated for awareness
campaigns about hygiene habits and water treatment.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[The northeastern coastal province of Napula can be seen on a map of
Mozambique at
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... zambiq.pdf>. - Mod.LL]

******
[2] Cholera - Namibia (Ohangwena)
Date: Tue 25 Mar 2008
Source: AllAfrica, New Era (Windhoek) report [edited]
<http://allafrica.com/stories/200803250365.html>


The number of confirmed cholera cases in the Ohangwena Region had
risen from 8 to 13 by yesterday morning [24 Mar 2008]. Oshana
Regional Health Director, Dr Naftali Hamata, told New Era yesterday
that suspected cholera cases continue to rise. By yesterday [24 Mar
2008], there were 533 suspected cases, 13 confirmed, 14 cases were
being treated in hospital and healthcare tents while deaths remained at 3.

More suspected cholera cases are being reported in flooded areas in
the north, with health officials blaming the rise on contaminated
water. The last 2 weeks saw a shortage in water purification tablets
supplies at most health centers. Health officials are expected to
distribute water purification tablets and sachets to learners at
different schools in the region.

Hydrologist Guido van Langenhove said the satellite images showed
that heavy rains were received in both Angola and Namibia during the
weekend. The report says although the rains were received over
shorter periods than before, the water levels at the 2 recording
sites between Omafu and Okalongo have shown a slight increase again.

[Byline: Petronella Sibeene]

--
Communicated by:
Sidi Coulibaly
<sidi_couly@yahoo.ca>

[A map of Namibia showing the province of Ohangwena in the north can
be found at <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohangwena>. It borders the
Angolan province of Cunene, which has had cholera activity as well. - Mod.LL]

******
[3] Cholera - Zambia (Lusaka)
Date: Tue 25 Mar 2008
Source: AllAfrica, The Times of Zambia (Ndola) report [edited]
<http://allafrica.com/stories/200803250443.html>


Ministry of Health spokesperson, Canisius Banda, has said 31 people
suffering from cholera in Lusaka are admitted to various cholera
centers in the townships. Dr Banda said in an interview in Lusaka
yesterday [24 Mar 2008] that by the close of last week, 31 patients
were still undergoing treatment at 5 centers in the capital city, the
only area still experiencing the waterborne disease.

Dr Banda said Lusaka had recorded 253 cases since January 2008 out of
which 31 people were still admitted. The 31 were admitted in Matero,
Chipata, Kanyama, Chawama, and George townships. Since January 2008,
only one patient has died at Matero Center while the rest, apart from
the 31, had been successfully treated and discharged.

--
Communicated by:
Sidi Coulibaly <sidi_couly@yahoo.ca>

[Lusaka, the capital and a province of Zambia, are located in the
southeastern corner of the country and can be seen on a map at
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... zambia.pdf>. - Mod.LL]

******
[4] Cholera - Angola (Huambo)
Date: Mon 24 Mar 2008
Source: Angola Press (ANGOP) [edited]
<http://www.angolapress-angop.ao/noticia-e.asp?ID=604890>


A new cholera case was diagnosed in the past 24 hours, at the
disease's treatment center, in Huambo city, raising to 37 the number
of cases registered since 29 Feb 2008.

The municipal head of the department of public health and control of
endemic diseases, Vicente do Assuncao told ANGOP this Monday [24 Mar
2008] that although there was this increase the number of deaths
remains at 10. The source added that at the moment 5 patients have
been hospitalized at the Cholera Treatment Center, where they are
received intensive medical assistance.

According to the health director, the only case in the last 24 hours
was registered in Macolocolo ward, outskirts of Huambo city, a region
that registered 11 deaths in 2007. Vicente de Ascencao also stated
that, in 2007, the district of Huambo registered 867 cholera cases,
which claimed 43 lives.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[The western border of Huambo is with Benguela where a cholera
outbreak has also been reported. Huambo can be seen on a map at
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... angola.pdf>. - Mod.LL]

IRIN hat geschrieben:NIGERIA: Worst cholera outbreak in years in Benue State

LAGOS, 28 March 2008 (IRIN) - At least 35 people have died of cholera in the capital of Benue State, Madurdi, and the town of Oturkpo. Both areas have a history of cholera outbreaks but the latest toll is far higher than in previous years.

The cases occurred in areas where conditions are known to be particularly unhygienic and where residents lack clean water.

The quality of Makurdi's water supply is unreliable and taps often run dry, forcing many residents to drink straight from the nearby Benue River.

At least 25 of the recent deaths in Makurdi occurred near the river in the neighbourhoods of North Bank, Wadata and Modern Market, while the 10 deaths reported in Oturkpo occurred in the areas of Upu and Adoka where people often drink water from wells and local streams.

Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium vibrio cholerae, according to the World Health Organisation. It has a short incubation period, from less than one day to five days, and produces an enterotoxin that causes a copious, painless, watery diarrhoea that can quickly lead to severe dehydration and death if treatment is not promptly given.

The Benue State Health Commissioner, Jarius Erube, said the government is doing everything it can to stop the outbreak but health officials in Makurdi told journalists that new patients continue to be admitted in the city's hospitals and private clinics, and some of them remain at risk of dying.

With many people in Makurdi and Oturkpo now fearful of drinking the local water, vendors have inflated the price of bottled water.

Quelle: http://www.irinnews.org


Grüsse
Alexander

Namibia - Darminfektionen
31.03.2008

Risiko für Durchfallerkrankungen landesweit, derzeit nach schweren Regenfällen besonders im Norden. Seit März gibt es dort auch örtliche Cholera-Ausbrüche mit steigenden Fallzahlen. Insgesamt wurden bisher 455 verdächtige Erkrankungen mit 3 Todesfällen registriert. Betroffen sind die drei nördlichen Regionen Ohangwena, Omusati und Oshana; es besteht offensichtlich ein Zusammenhang mit den Ausbrüchen in der Cunene-Provinz des benachbarten Angola (siehe dort). -Namibia war als eines der ersten afrikanischen Länder seit 1990 frei von Poliomyelitis. Durch Wiedereinschleppungen von Wildvirus Typ 1 aus dem benachbarten Angola kam es 1993 und 2006 mit 53 bzw. etwa 150 Erkrankungen (davon 19 nachgewiesen) zu regionalen Ausbrüchen, die nach flächendeckenden Impfkampagnen rasch unter Kontrolle waren. Seit vorigem Jahr wurden keine weiteren Erkrankungesfälle gemeldet. Hygiene und Impfschutz (Polio) bei Reisen beachten. / Quelle: crm

CHOLERA, DIARRHEA & DYSENTERY UPDATE 2008 ( 19 )
**********************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

In this update:
Africa
[1] Cholera - Namibia (Ohangwena)
[2] Cholera - Kenya (Nyanza, Western provinces)
[3] Cholera - Nigeria (Benue)
[4] Cholera - Angola (Huila)
[5] Cholera - Malawi (Blantyre)
[6] Cholera - Mozambique (Nampula)


*****
[1] Cholera - Namibia (Ohangwena)
Date: Mon 31 Mar 2008
Source: AllAfrica & New Era (Windhoek) [edited]
<http://allafrica.com/stories/200803310451.html>


Cholera has claimed 3 lives at Engela State Hospital while 727
suspected cases of cholera have been reported in the Ohangwena
Region, with 16 confirmed cholera cases, said the Regional Health
Director Dr. Naftal Hamata.

[Byline: Anna Ingwafa]

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[A map of Namibia showing the province of Ohangwena in the north can
be found at <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohangwena>. It borders the
Angolan province of Cunene, which has had cholera activity as well. - Mod.LL]

*****
[2] Cholera - Kenya (Nyanza, Western provinces)
Date: Mon 31 Mar 2008
Source: AllAfrica & The East African Standard (Nairobi) [edited]
<http://allafrica.com/stories/200803310989.html>


39 people in Nyanza Province have succumbed to cholera since January
2008. More than 450 cases have been reported in hospitals in the same period.

The Nyanza Provincial Medical Officer, Dr. Jackson Kioko, said the
epidemic began in Suba and Siaya districts. "The outbreak then spread
to Homa Bay District and Kisumu," Kioko said.

He said health workers had contained the outbreak in Siaya and Rongo,
adding that Migori District was particularly hard hit with more than
10 deaths reported. "We had 30 cases last week, while a similar
number of patients are seeking treatment in various health centres in
the district," he said.

Kioko added that the influx of displaced people and feasting at
funerals contributed to the spread of cholera. "We are asking
residents to stop holding extended funerals to reduce the amount of
food prepared," he said.

The Provincial Public Health Officer, Mr. Tom Andebe, said that
improper disposal of human waste was another contributing factor.
"Only about 30 percent of residents have built pit latrines. People
defecate in bushes," he said. The official added that rain often
washed human stool into water sources.

"In areas where cholera is prevalent, residents use water from dams
and rivers without boiling it," said Andebe.

Meanwhile, a cholera outbreak has been reported in Budalang'i,
Western Province. Western Provincial Medical Officer, Dr. Onudu
Olang'o, yesterday [30 Mar 2008] said 7 people were undergoing
treatment at Port Victoria Sub-District Hospital.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[Nyanza and Western provinces have a common border in western Kenya
and can be seen on a map of the country at:
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... /kenya.pdf>

*****
[3] Cholera - Nigeria (Benue)
Date: Sun 30 Mar 2008
Source: Agence France-Presse (AFP) [edited]
<http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jw3 ... VXvghB4o3Q>


Around 50 people have died in recent weeks of cholera in central
Nigeria's Benue state out of some 150 infected, the press quoted
health officials as saying Sunday [30 Mar 2008]. The Guardian and
other papers said that the state capital Makurdi was worst hit by the
disease which broke out in February 2008.

State health commissioner Jarius Erube attributed the cause of the
disease to drinking contaminated water. He advised residents to
always boil their water before drinking. He said medical officials
and drugs had been sent to the affected areas to treat the victims as
well as contain the spread of the disease.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[A similar report was submitted by Sidi Coulibaly
<sidi_couly@yahoo.ca>. - Mod.MPP]

[Benue province in southern Nigeria can be found on a map at:
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... igeria.pdf>. - Mod.LL]

*****
[4] Cholera - Angola (Huila)
Date: Sun 30 Mar 2008
Source: AllAfrica & Angola Press Agency (Luanda) [edited]
<http://allafrica.com/stories/200803310621.html>


At least 116 cases of cholera were recorded in the 1st quarter of
2008 at Chibia locality, south Huila province, 45 kilometers [28
miles] from Lubango city, without claiming lives. This was disclosed
to ANGOP, in Lubango, by the head of the local health division,
Sebastiao Antonio, who mentioned that 113 patients were discharged
after having been completely been recovered, whereas 3 are still hospitalised.

Sebastiao Antonio noted that 50 percent of the cases were registered
in Jau commune, and the others in the localities of Kihita, Capunda
Cavilongo and in the district headquarters. According to the health
official, at the moment the situation is stable, despite the number
of cases registered, since no deaths have been reported.

Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[Huila in southwestern Angola can be found on a map of the country at:
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... angola.pdf>. - Mod.LL]

[A similar report was submitted by Sidi Coulibaly
<sidi_couly@yahoo.ca> - Mod.MPP]

*****
[5] Cholera - Malawi (Blantyre)
Date: Sat 29 Mar 2008
Source: AllAfrica & Inter Press Service (Johannesburg) [edited]
<http://allafrica.com/stories/200803290089.html>


Cholera used to occur mainly in the rainy season when contaminated
water entered the distribution system as a result of floods. Now,
there are instances of the disease throughout the year, as poor
hygiene is conducive to the spread of the _Vibrio cholerae_ bacterium.

Since the beginning of 2008 at least 8 people have died in a cholera
outbreak in areas around Blantyre, which is located in southern
Malawi. Up to 291 cases of cholera were reported within a 3 week
period in the region.

During a severe outbreak in 2002, more than 1000 people died of
cholera in Malawi.

[Byline: Pilirani Semu-Banda]

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[Blantyre in southern Malawi can be found at:
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... malawi.pdf>. - Mod.LL]

*****
[6] Cholera - Mozambique (Nampula)
Date: Sat 29 Mar 2008
Source: Angola Press [edited]
<http://www.angolapress-angop.ao/noticia-e.asp?ID=606084>


The health authorities in the northern Mozambican province of Nampula
have sent more doctors to strengthen the team in the Cholera
Treatment Center (CTC), in the provincial capital, Nampula City,
reports the Wed 26 Mar 2008 issue of the Maputo daily "Noticias."

Since the Nampula cholera outbreak began Saturday [22 Mar 2008], 29
people have been diagnosed with the disease, but so far no deaths
have been reported. The head of the community health services at the
Nampula provincial health directorate, Antonio Salimo, told reporters
that "20 patients are still receiving treatment at the Nampula CTC,
and 9 others have been discharged."

It was found that most of the cholera patients come from Nampula
neighborhoods, namely Namicopo, Muatala, Muhala, and Murrapaniua.
They were suffering from a serious shortage of clean drinking water
and poor sanitation conditions.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[The northeastern coastal province of Napula can be seen on a map of
Mozambique at
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... zambiq.pdf>. - Mod.LL]

Namibia - Darminfektionen
01.04.2008

Risiko für Durchfallerkrankungen landesweit, derzeit nach schweren Regenfällen besonders im Norden. Seit März gibt es dort auch örtliche Cholera-Ausbrüche mit steigenden Fallzahlen. Insgesamt wurden bisher über 700 verdächtige Erkrankungen mit 3 Todesfällen registriert. Betroffen sind die drei nördlichen Regionen Ohangwena, Omusati und Oshana; es besteht offensichtlich ein Zusammenhang mit den Ausbrüchen in der Cunene-Provinz des benachbarten Angola (siehe dort). -Namibia war als eines der ersten afrikanischen Länder seit 1990 frei von Poliomyelitis. Durch Wiedereinschleppungen von Wildvirus Typ 1 aus dem benachbarten Angola kam es 1993 und 2006 mit 53 bzw. etwa 150 Erkrankungen (davon 19 nachgewiesen) zu regionalen Ausbrüchen, die nach flächendeckenden Impfkampagnen rasch unter Kontrolle waren. Seit vorigem Jahr wurden keine weiteren Erkrankungesfälle gemeldet. Hygiene und Impfschutz (Polio, evtl. Cholera) bei Reisen beachten. / Quelle: crm

Namibia - Darminfektionen
02.04.2008

Risiko für Durchfallerkrankungen landesweit, derzeit nach schweren Regenfällen besonders im Norden. Seit März gibt es dort auch örtliche Cholera-Ausbrüche mit steigenden Fallzahlen. Insgesamt wurden bisher über 850 verdächtige Erkrankungen mit 3 Todesfällen registriert. Betroffen sind die drei nördlichen Regionen Ohangwena, Omusati und Oshana; es besteht offensichtlich ein Zusammenhang mit den Ausbrüchen in der Cunene-Provinz des benachbarten Angola (siehe dort). -Namibia war als eines der ersten afrikanischen Länder seit 1990 frei von Poliomyelitis. Durch Wiedereinschleppungen von Wildvirus Typ 1 aus dem benachbarten Angola kam es 1993 und 2006 mit 53 bzw. etwa 150 Erkrankungen (davon 19 nachgewiesen) zu regionalen Ausbrüchen, die nach flächendeckenden Impfkampagnen rasch unter Kontrolle waren. Seit vorigem Jahr wurden keine weiteren Erkrankungesfälle gemeldet. Hygiene und Impfschutz (Polio, evtl. Cholera) bei Reisen beachten. / Quelle: crm