Cholera reported to be spreading fast in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The Addis Ababa City Health Bureau is reporting that cholera is spreading fast in the city, and it could not control the disease. The number of people infected every day with the waterborne disease is “staggering”. The total number of cases is not reported, but 6 people died from this disease last month. Intermittent supply of potable water coupled with consumption of contaminated river water are blamed for the outbreak.

Advice

The risk of exposure may be high throughout the city. Travellers can minimize the risk of exposure to this disease. Strictly observe all food and water precautions in any area where there is cholera. If gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., vomiting and profuse watery diarrhoea) develop while visiting the affected area, travellers should seek medical care at once.