Description of the situation
20 February 1998
Disease Outbreak Reported
From August 1997 up to 9 February 1998, a total of 14 679 cases with 477 deaths (case fatality rate 3.2%) were reported. During the last week of January a total of 1,657 cases were reported corresponding to an attack rate of 4.1%. Most of these cases occurred in Beira City, Sofala Province. Over 800 cases with 80 deaths were reported in a 48-hour period in the current week and 900 patients are currently being treated in the only cholera ward available in the city. The situation in other affected areas (Gaza, Manica, Maputo City and Maputo Province) appears to be stable. Neighbouring countries (Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi) have been alerted to the need to strengthen surveillance for early detection of cholera coming via the Beira corridor.