Description of the situation
17 July 2002
Disease Outbreak Reported
The Afghan Ministry of Public Health has reported an outbreak of diarrhoeal diseases of 6 691 cases, including 3 deaths in Kabul, over the last 3 weeks. Among these cases, 3 cases of Vibrio cholerae have been laboratory confirmed by the National Institute of Health of Islamabad, Pakistan.
The Ministry of Public Health has reactivated the Cholera Task Force composed of government representatives, UN agencies and nongovernmental organizations. The group is implementing preventive measures such as health education and water chlorination. Surveillance activities are ongoing.
An increase in cases of diarrhoeal diseases, including cholera is a normal occurrence in this area during this time of year. WHO, together with the Ministry of Public Health is monitoring the situation.