Geneva — More than 25,000 people in famine-threatened Somalia have been struck by cholera and the deadly epidemic should double by this summer, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday. The UN is already racing to avoid a repeat of famine in the drought-hit Horn of Africa nation where more than 250,000 people died of starvation in 2011. Cholera, which is endemic in Somalia, is an acute diarrhoeal disease that can kill within hours if left untreated. Malnourished children under five years are especially vulnerable. Already 25,424 infected people have been identified since the start of the year, WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic said by e-mail, adding: "These numbers are projected to increase to 50,000 by summer." The case fatality rate for the disease, spread by contaminated food or water, is already 2.1% in Somalia, twice the emergency threshold, he said. At least 524 deaths have been recorded. Cholera can be successfully treated with oral rehydration solution. Severe cases ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.