Thousands Hit by Cholera

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Twelve thousand people have been infected with cholera in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal, since an epidemic began there in mid-August. The South African health ministry said 52 people had died of the disease, but the majority had been successfully treated. An education program has been introduced, and safety measures - including bleach for purifying water and clean water from tankers - have been provided. Health officials will meet members of the World Health Organization on Tuesday to discuss other measures to tackle the outbreak.

Successful Treatment

Health Secretary Ronald Green-Thompson said that efforts to fight the water-borne disease had been successful. "More than 99.7% of all who have reported for treatment have been cured, and in a total of nearly 12,000 that is incredible," he said. But he said vigilance against the disease would not be relaxed. Tourists visiting the area are said not to be at risk, as long as they are careful to maintain proper hygiene.

Source: Anonymous. BBC News, January 1, 2001.