The government of Mozambique confirmed on Friday the discovery of 138 cases of cholera in two neighborhoods near the coastal city of Pera, hit by the devastating cyclone Idai on March 14..
“Although we have not yet registered any cholera-related deaths in the health centers, we are ready,” Environment Minister Celso Correa said, according to local media outlet. That at least two people died outside the hospital, and had symptoms of the disease from diarrhea and drought.
The cyclone Aidai has blocked the residents of the affected areas from access to clean water, making them highly susceptible to cholera. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Thursday that Mozambique will launch a campaign against the cholera epidemic next week in areas hit by cyclone Idai “Following the discovery of five cases of cholera from the cyclone.
Tropical cyclone Idai hit Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, causing catastrophic flooding, killing more than 700 people.
