BEIRA, Mozambique — The first cases of cholera have been confirmed in the cyclone-ravaged city of Beira, Mozambican authorities announced on Wednesday, raising the stakes in an already desperate fight to help hundreds of thousands of people sheltering in increasingly squalid conditions. The five cholera cases were confirmed in Munhava, one of the poorest neighbourhoods in the hard-hit port city, the national director of medical assistance, Ussene Isse, told reporters. Cholera is a major concern for cyclone survivors now living in crowded camps, schools, churches and any land exposed by the still-draining flood waters. The World Health Organization has warned of a “second disaster” if waterborne diseases like cholera spread in the devastated region. The cyclone has killed more than 460 people in Mozambique and left 1.8 million people in need of urgent help.

Source: National Post March 27, 2019 09:09 UTC