Mozambique cholera outbreak causes fatalities
As of June 15, 2003, Mozambique's Ministry of Public Health reported 11,796 cholera cases and 87 deaths nationwide. Authorities and the WHO are working to control the outbreak and its cross-border spread.
Mozambique has reported a widespread cholera outbreak, with 11,796 cases and 87 deaths recorded by June 15, 2003. The Ministry of Public Health indicated that the number of cases is now declining, particularly in Maputo province.
The outbreak has also shown a cross-border dimension. As cases peaked and began to decline in Maputo province and Maputo city, a cholera outbreak started in Mpumalanga province, South Africa. Cases were also reported in northern Hhohho, Swaziland, bordering Mpumalanga. The WHO is proposing cross-border initiatives to control these outbreaks.
In other provinces, Gaza reported 2,004 cases with 29 deaths, and Sofala reported 2,812 cases with 14 deaths between January 1 and June 15, 2003. The WHO is assisting national health authorities in Sofala and Gaza provinces in their efforts to control the cholera outbreaks.
Officials are continuing to monitor the situation and implement control measures, focusing on affected regions and inter-country cooperation to curb the spread of the disease.