WHO warns of cholera outbreak in Basra
The World Health Organization has warned that it is expecting an outbreak of cholera in southern Iraq, primarily centred around Basra.
The alarm has been raised as 17 cases have been reported to two hospitals over a 24 hour period. Disease experts estimate that there are likely to be at least ten times this many cases.
Disruption to water supplies is being blamed for the outbreak, as cholera is caused by a water borne bacteria.
Water pipes and pumping stations damaged in the post war looting have still not been fully repaired due to the poor security system.
British military officials are to meet with health care workers and the Red Cross tomorrow in an attempt to find a way to stabilize the situation and provide more clean water.
