A cholera outbreak has claimed 37 lives from nearly 2,000 cases recorded mainly around the capital of Guinea-Bissau since June 11.
According to reports reaching here on Thursday, the director of the epidemiology department at Bissau's Simao Mendes hospital, Cunhate Na Bagna, said that 20 deaths have been registered in the capital from 1,993 cases reported to date.
Most of the other cholera deaths have occurred near Bissau, the official added, and cases of the deadly waterborne illness have been recorded in almost all parts of the country.
Bissau authorities have tried to ban the sale of drinking water in the capital to prevent the spread of cholera, but these measures are being totally ignored by street vendors, added Na Bagna.
China and Portugal have already donated medical supplies and funds to help the Guinean health service deal with the cholera outbreak.
Cholera kills 40 in northwest Uganda
Death toll from cholera outbreak up in northwest Uganda
Cholera outbreak kills 14 in western Mali
Cholera Epidemic Eases in Senegal
Cholera ‘epidemic’ strikes in DR Congo displaced camps
Cholera in DR Congo camps claims 23 lives, 800 cases
Angola registers 17,000 AIDS cases since 1985
WHO revises downward death toll from Angolan Marburg outbreak
Chinese dead sea, a unique tour attraction
Nanjing Massacre survivor recalls haunting memories