Cyclone Idai Aftermath: Authorities scramble to contain cholera outbreak in Mozambique

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01:30

Authorities in Mozambique say a cholera outbreak is spreading in the wake of Cyclone Idai. The number of cases in the port city of Beira has now risen from five to 139. Angelo Coppola is there and has this report.

The experts were expecting the jump. It happens in situations like these.

EDUARDO SAMGOOD DEPUTY GENERAL DIRECTOR, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH "Five are the number of laboratory confirmed, so yesterday (28 March) we notified 139 cases, and today (March 29) we notify 132 cases. With zero deaths."

DAVID WIGHTWICK CHOLERA TEAM LEADER, WHO "So what happens when the treatments centres open, there is suddenly treatment available for people, so all of the cases that were lurking in the community suddenly seek treatment so you would see a natural spike and these kinds of things."

Cholera is endemic to this part of Mozambique according to the experts.

DAVID WIGHTWICK CHOLERA TEAM LEADER, WHO "We will treat all cases of diarrhea as if they are suspected cholera. The very serious ones will go to treatment centres, these are being put up right now and many of them are operational already."

While the public is urged to seek out clean water sources, a campaign to prevent the spread of cholera kicks off next week.

DAVID WIGHTWICK CHOLERA TEAM LEADER, WHO "When the challenge for the population, of course, is finding clean water and being able to wash effectively. I mean that's a challenge. And there are a lot of aid agencies and I know the government is out there trying to make that possible."

ANGELO COPPOLA BEIRA, MOZAMBIQUE "So the outbreak that has taken place is of concern to all the experts but they're not panicked. I'm Angelo Coppola for CGTN in BEIRA, MOZAMBIQUE."