A cholera epidemic in Dakar region of Senegal – the area of the capital - has claimed at least 126 victims as of Thursday 28 October. This represents a 50% increase from mid-week. The first patients were identified about 2 weeks ago.
Professor Papa Salif Sow, head of the infectious diseases service at Dakar's Fann hospital said that the outbreak is the first reappearance of cholera in the West African state of Senegal since 1997.
Health professionals remain on alert and regional hospitals are being equipped with emergency equipment. Cholera is transmitted through food or water contaminated by a bacterium and can be fatal. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration and cramps.
