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Africa: Food/Waterborne Illness Outbreaks 2010
Uganda- Poliomyelitis
26 Oct 2010
The New Vision Uganda [edited] [ProMed]
Polio is back in Uganda barely a year after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the country free of the disease. The health ministry and WHO announced on 25 Oct 2010 that cases of the disease have been identified in a district where one of the victims has developed paralysis. As a result, the ministry and WHO have announced a 3-phase supplementary vaccination exercise for 2 million children in 48 districts of eastern, northeastern, and northern Uganda. Poliomyelitis is a contagious viral disease that can lead to death. However, about 95% of those infected with the virus show no symptoms. The exercise is expected to cost approximately 5 million USD. The money will be contributed by the Government, WHO and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Uganda was declared polio-free in December of 2009 after the absence of the disease for 13 years. The disease is spread through consumption of food contaminated with fecal matter from an infected person.
East Africa- Deadly, noxious weeds threatens East African Food and Livestock Production
20 Oct. 2010
The East African [edited] [CAHFS-Daily News]
Kenya listed Parthenium hysterophorus as a noxious weed under its ‘Suppression of Noxious Weeds Act’ explaining that it has the potential to reduce yields in some crops by as much as 40%. Scientists based at the World Agro forestry Complex in Nairobi, have termed it a very harmful invasive alien species (IAS) — having an impact on both human and animal health. Some health problems associated with the weed include hay fever, asthma, and severe dermatitis. The scientists have warned governments in East Africa about weeds such as Parthenium that have been coming into the region mainly through contaminated food aid or the horticultural industry. The weed has invaded more than 1 million hectares in Ethiopia and has the ability of reducing pasture production by 90% and yields in crops such as sorghum by between 30 and 40%. This weed has also been detected in Ugandaand Arusha, Tanzania, which is said to be among the world’s 10 most dangerous plants.
Ghana- Four dead after eating contaminated food
19 Oct. 2010
Peace FM Online [edited] [BITES]
Four people have died in a farming community in the Bawku West District of the Upper East Region after eating what is suspected to be contaminated food. Three residents have been hospitalized and several others have suffered different conditions after eating the meat of slaughtered pigs and dogs which had apparently been fed with the contaminated food. It is also suspected that the deceased persons had applied a poisonous chemical to their food which might have led to the poisoning. The only grinding mill in the community used to grind the contaminated food has also been affected.
South Africa- Concerns about SA's water quality
18 Oct. 2010
News24 [edited] [BITES]
A food retailer says it is extremely concerned about the quality of the country’s water and the influence this has on food security. It has become clear over the past 18 months that the country’s water quality is declining drastically. Recently, traces of Escherichia coli on fresh produce have been discovered.
Sierra Leone- Lassa Fever
27 Sep 2010
Romandie News, Agence France-Press [edited] [ProMed]
An epidemic of Lassa hemorrhagic fever now affecting several West African countries and has reached Sierra Leone. It is responsible for 2 deaths according to a statement from the Sierra Leone Health Authorities. Rats are the source of Lassa fever infection. Lassa virus is transmitted among humans by direct contact with the blood, urine, and other biological secretions of an infected person. It is advised that rats, which are often used as a food source, should not be eaten.
Related Stories:
Sierra Leone- Lassa fever
8 Oct. 2010
News 24 [edited] [ProMed]
Health officials in Sierra Leone have reported that 45 people have died from Lassa fever in the first 9 months of the year, including a woman who ran a rat meat restaurant. The head of the health ministry's national disease surveillance unit said that up to 152 cases of Lassa fever, which can be transmitted by bush rats, had so far been confirmed for the same period. Lassa fever is a zoonotic disease. The animal reservoir of the virus causing Lassa fever are rodents of the genus Mastomys (bush rat). These rodents when infected with Lassa virus do not become ill, but they can shed the virus in their excreta. Humans usually become infected with Lassa virus casually from exposure to excreta of infected Mastomy and by the snaring and preparation of these animals as a source of food.
Zimbabwe- Cholera outbreak
15 September 2010
eFoodAlert.com [edited]
An outbreak of cholera has killed one person and infected four others near Zimbabwe’s border with South Africa.
Kenya- Undiagnosed Die-off in Fish, Water Poisoning Suspected
14 September 2010
The Nation (Nairobi), via AllAfrica [edited] [ProMed]
Panic has gripped residents of two districts following signs of water contamination in the upper reaches of the River Sabaki. Hundreds of fish have died as the National Environment Management Authority issued an alert to the residents. It has been reported that several people had begun suffering from diarrhea after eating the dead fish floating in the river. Samples of water from the river have been taken to government laboratories for analysis to determine the levels of poison in the water. People are being instructed to not eat the dead fish because it's dangerous. The river is the lifeline for thousands of residents. People use the river water for agricultural purposes, domestic use, and for their animals, often without treating it for contamination.
Kenya- Anthrax, human, bovine
30 August 2010
The Nation [edited] [ProMED]
One person died and eight others were taken to a hospital after eating anthrax contaminated meat. The victim was a 40-year-old man. He started complaining of stomachache shortly after arriving home from the shopping centre where he had eaten the meat. It is believed that the meat has been eaten by at least 150 people who attended a burial ceremony.
Cameroon- Cholera outbreak in kills 77
26 July 2010
Reuters Africa [edited] [EatDrinkandBe.org]
Cholera has killed 77 people in northern Cameroon since early June, raising concern that the worst epidemic since 2004 may spread into neighboring Nigeria and Chad. Cholera, a disease generally spread through food and water contaminated with bacteria, often strikes the central African country where less than half the population has access to potable water, according to the United Nations. The International Committee of the Red Cross said there was a risk of the outbreak spreading fast.
Cote D’Ivorie- Antrax in Humans and Livestock
15 July 2010
AfriScooP.com [edited] [ProMED]
An outbreak of anthrax has killed five people in the region of Bouna. It is believed that these people were in contact with sick animals (cattle).
Kenya- Aflatoxin Poisoning Cases
8 July 2010
KBC [edited] [ProMED]
Eight suspected cases of aflatoxin poisoning have been reported at a mission hospital in Eastern Province. Samples of maize taken from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) Kitui depot have been found to be contaminated with aflatoxin. The surveillance of grains in the area has been delayed by a lack of cooperation by farmers who failed to provide their maize for testing. Two of the patients are still admitted at the hospital and the six other patients were treated and discharged. The government earlier this year announced that it would purchase contaminated maize from farmers especially in the larger Eastern province and parts of Coast province to ensure it was not consumed by unsuspecting residents. Scientists say the occurrence of aflatoxin is endemic in the area due to the soil being a major contributor to the growth of mold in addition to high moisture content and high temperatures. Suggestions have been made that farmers in the region grow maize for production of fuel rather than food.
South Africa- Food poisoning hits Fifa workers
18 Jun 2010
iol.co.za [edited] [BITES]
Ninety Fifa World Cup volunteers were treated for food poisoning after eating breakfast at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga on Friday.
A kocal organising committee spokesman reportedly said an investigation had been launched to determine if the food was contaminated and if so, how it got contaminated.
Kenya- Aflatoxin in Maize
16 Jun 2010
The Nation [edited][ProMed]
The government had promised to test all the maize held by farmers in 29 affected districts. It also promised to buy for destruction, any contaminated cereal for KES 1000 [USD 12.40] to cushion farmers against losses.
This has yet to happen, so farmers are consuming and retailing the grain.
The Eastern provincial commissioner reportedly said mobile kits would be used to test the maize, adding that there were 11 hospitalizations and all but 3 people have recovered and left the hospital, after consuming contaminated grain.
Related stories
04 Jun 2010- Aflatoxin
Afrol news [edited][ProMed]
In Kenya, at least 2.3 million bags of maize are this year [2010] rendered unfit for consumption and trade due to high toxic levels produced by a fungus. Scientists now try to prevent future contamination.
Kenya this year [2010] is again grappling with high levels of aflatoxin contamination that has rendered at least 2.3 million bags of maize unfit for human and livestock consumption and trade, to the dismay of the millions of small-scale farmers that depend on the crop for food and income.
The contamination of the country's main staple with aflatoxin, a highly poisonous cancer-causing chemical produced by a fungus scientifically known as Aspergillus flavus, was a result of poor drying and storage of the grain following heavy rainfall near harvest time, according to scientists. Nigeria - Lead poisoning kills 100 children in north 04 Jun 2010
BBC [edited][ProMed]
More than 100 children have died of lead poisoning in Nigeria in recent weeks, health officials reportedly said. The number has been rising since March 2010, when residents started digging illegally for gold in areas with high concentrations of lead. The victims were from several remote villages in the northern state of Zamfara.
A total of 163 out of 355 cases of poisoning have proved fatal, a Nigerian health ministry official reportedly told media sources.
Health authorities have set up 2 camps in the area to treat people who are suffering symptoms of lead poisoning.
The deaths were discovered during the country's annual immunization programme, when officials realised there were virtually no children in several remote villages in the northern state, media sources reportedly said.
Villagers said the children had died of malaria and it was only when a team from international aid agency “Medecins Sans Frontiers” took blood tests from local people that the high concentrations of lead were discovered. Uganda- Ugandans flee Island on Lake Victoria over an outbreak of strange disease 04 Jun 2010
Uganda Health News [edited][ProMed]
Hundreds of people on Sigulu Island on Lake Victoria have fled their homes this week [week ending 4 Jun 2010] due to an outbreak of a strange disease. Field reports indicate that at least 2 people have been killed by the strange disease and more than 20 have been admitted to Uganda and Kenyan hospitals.
The victims reportedly complain of stomach pains, headache and diarrhea. The doctors reportedly say the outbreak of this strange disease is not cholera. Nigeria-Cholera
24 May 2010
AllAfrica, Daily Trust report [edited][ProMed]
Last Wednesday, 19 May 2010, 4 persons lost their lives following an outbreak of cholera at Ibwa community in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory. An official reportedly said 2 persons died on the 1st day of the outbreak of the epidemic last week, while another 2 died the following day at the community's health centre.
According to the official, on receiving information on the outbreak, the council authority immediately sent additional drugs to the affected community in order to control the epidemic. A report indicated that 118 people were affected by the epidemic, including children, who were treated.
Uganda- Cholera (Tororo)
23 May 2010
Xinhua News Agency [edited][ProMed]
An outbreak of cholera following frequent floods in eastern Uganda has left 6 people dead and dozens more admitted in hospital, local authorities reportedly said on [Sat 22 May 2010].
The outbreak in Tororo district, eastern Uganda, was a result of recent flash floods that ravaged parts of the mountainous area following torrential rains, local officials reportedly said.
The floods destroyed the latrine facilities, contaminating drinking water and posing a grave health threat to the local communities.
Uganda- Cholera (Moroto)
22 May 2010
Daily Monitor (Uganda) [edited][ProMed]
The cholera epidemic in Moroto District has spread out to 40 villages, authorities have said. About 220 cases and 5 deaths have been reported since the outbreak was detected on 16 Apr 2010.
According to the World Health Organization's 'health action in crisis' officer in charge, 20 to 25 cases of cholera are diagnosed each day at the treatment unit in Moroto District.
South Africa- Fatal Norovirus in neonatal unit (Johannesburg) 21 May 2010
IOL (Independent Online, South Africa), The Star report [edited][ProMed]
The diarrhoea that killed 6 babies at a hospital in Johannesburg was caused by a norovirus, a type of community-acquired virus [infection] that causes stomach [illness], a leader at the hospital reportedly confirmed yesterday [20 May 2010]. He explained that the babies were susceptible to the virus because of their weak
[undeveloped] immune systems.
All the babies in the neonatal ward were born prematurely and weigh less than 1 kg [2.2 lb]. At the time of the infection, there were about 50 babies in the ward -- 15 more than the stipulated maximum of 35.
The official reported that the deaths of 11 babies at a hospital on 11 May 2010 were ascribed to neonatal sepsis, low birth weight, prematurity, or stillbirth, and were unrelated to the diarrhea that killed the 6 babies in the most recent outbreak. Uganda- Methanol poisoning, Fatal 19 May 2010 Time.com [edited][ProMed]
More than 100 people have reportedly died in western Uganda since early April [2010] after ingesting a methanol-laced version of a homemade gin known as waragi. The popular drink, easy to make and cheap to buy, has been blamed for causing blindness and death before, but never so many in such a short span of time. Illegal production of hard liquor is a problem across much of Africa, but it may be worst in Uganda.
Unregulated waragi accounts for nearly 80 percent of the liquor produced in the country, according to the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), which oversees production of legal products in the country. It doesn't help that the alcohol is inexpensive and that the penalties for producing or selling it are ineffective. A tall glass of homemade waragi, often made from bananas or cassava, millet or sugarcane, goes for about 25 cents, one-sixth the cost of the leading regulated brand. Illegal production carries a fine of only about [USD] 1.50 and a jail term not to exceed 6 months, while offenders' cases are often dropped before they reach a courtroom.
The drink is packaged in cheap sachets sometimes as small as 100 ml and costing as little as 10 cents, making them accessible to the destitute and children.
Angola- Diarrhea (Luanda)
18 May 2010
Angola Press Agency (Angop) [in Portuguese, machine trans., edited][ProMed]
During the first 4 months of the year [2010], 1101 cases of acute diarrhea were treated at a health center in the Rangel municipality, in Luanda province, 100 more than during the same period of 2009. According to an official, in January [2010], 268 people consulted the center, 400 in February, 184 in March, and 250 in April.
The official emphasized that the lack of the sanitation of the environment and the lack of attention of some parents to the medical advice are the base of the frequent epidemic. The municipality of Rangel has an estimated population of 700,000 inhabitants distributed in the communes of the Marcal, Nelito Soares, and Rangel.
Sudan- Cholera (Northern Bahr el Ghazal)
16 May 2010
Sudan Tribune [edited][ProMed]
Peth Lou, one of the local administrative units situated east of Wanyjok, headquarters of Aweil East County, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, may be again on the verge of a severe cholera outbreak. Peth is to the south of Malual Baai Payam where there is a health center reportedly run by International Rescue Committee, it is also to the East of Madhol and west of Tokyep village from where 10 people mostly children are reportedly caught by watery diarrhea.
The outbreak is entering its 2nd week. It has quickly spread into surrounding villages of Mabil, Dhok, Rumrit, and Baai chok, Wunyiik, Maluil, Majak, Warkou,
Halkou, and Riangkou, Marial Ngap, killing 2 people and infecting the entire village.
The village, located 20 miles [32 km] from the main Aweil Civil Hospital, is home to over 10,000 residents. Health authorities say the disease first struck towards the end of April 2009, killing 3 people before its confirmation by the local ministry of health.
It is believed another 21 villages surrounding Ameth Lou, east of Malual Baai Payam, have also registered cholera cases in the last week with records showing that 12 suspected patients were admitted at Malual health center before being discharged.
Some of the villages that are worst hit in Ameth include; Wunyor, Warapac, Mayom, Akong, Akuac, and Majak Paluiel. Mathiangdit and Areng have also been reported to have the highest number of infections.
Kenya- Cholera (Rift Valley, Coast)
10 May 2010
Eat Drink and Be [edited][ProMed]
A fast-spreading outbreak of cholera has killed at least 10 people in West Pokot [Rift Valley province] and Kilifi [Coast province] districts, in what the government said on 10 May 2010 was the worst epidemic since the onset of the current rains.
The Public Health Minister reportedly confirmed that 8 people had died in West Pokot and that her ministry had dispatched officers to flood-prone regions to sensitize residents on ways to prevent the scourge.
Elsewhere, 2 children from Matsangoni village, Kilifi are feared to have died of the water-borne disease while 4 people had been admitted to health centers there.
Kenya- Cholera
19 Mar 2010
UN Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN) [edited][ProMed]
As of 15 Mar 2010, 15 districts nationwide were affected with cholera, with 663 cases confirmed since January 2010, according to a Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation update. At least 15 deaths have been recorded. Worst affected are parts of Coast, Eastern and Rift Valley provinces. Kajiado District, in Rift Valley, has 177 cases.
In 2009, at least 781 cholera cases were laboratory confirmed with 274 deaths, in an outbreak attributed to widespread water shortages because of drought, contaminated dry river beds and poor hygiene.
At present, more cholera deaths and cases are being reported in remote areas. Suspected cholera deaths have been reported in the northwestern Turkana Central District, a medical officer told media sources.
Some 127 cases of cholera have been recorded in the eastern district of Tharaka since 7 Mar 2010, officials reported. A temporary outpatient treatment camp has been set up at the worst-hit Makutano Police Post, with medical personnel from surrounding areas mobilized to assist the sick. Other areas affected include the villages of Ura Gate, Mauthuni, Gakauni and Gatithini. Related stories
14 Feb 2010- Cholera (Rift Valley) Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) [edited][ProMed]
Mozambique- Cholera
19 Mar 2010
Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique [edited][ProMed]
The Mozambican Health Ministry reportedly said the cholera situation is stable in the 5 northern and central provinces hit by the disease in 2010. The Ministry's spokesperson told media on Thu 18 Mar 2010 that in the previous 24 hours several new cases of the disease had been notified, but no deaths were reported.
In the central province of Zambezia there had been 12 new cases, in Cabo Delgado 9 cases were reported, in Nampula 6 and in Sofala 5. In the 6th province affected, Niassa, there were no new cases at all.
The worst hit province is Zambezia. Since 1 Jan 2010, there have been 1188 cases notified in Zambezia and 19 deaths. The figures for Cabo Delgado are 679 cases and 7 deaths, and for Niassa 543 cases and 13 deaths. Sofala has reported 241 cases and 1 death, and Nampula 167 cases and 1 death.
Related Stories
13 Mar 2010- Cholera
Targana.com [edited][ProMed] 10 Feb 2010- Cholera
AllAfrica, Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique (Maputo) report[edited][ProMed] Zambia- Cholera
19 Mar 2010
Africa News [edited][ProMed]
A total of 11 people have died of cholera in Zambia since the outbreak of the disease at the onset of rainy season in late 2009.
The waterborne disease is endemic in the southern African state during the wet and rainy season of October to March.
A Ministry of Health spokesperson reportedly said there has also been an increase in cholera cases from 241 in February 2010 to 564 in March 2010. Te official reportedly said that the Ministry of Health has continued to monitor the situation from escalating and that basic water and sanitation measures are being provided to vulnerable communities nationwide.
Uganda- Cholera (Manafwa)
06 Mar 2010
The Monitor [edited][ProMed]
The landslide affected area of Bududa District is on high alert for a cholera outbreak, as the infection has already been confirmed in the neighboring district of Manafwa, with further suspected infections in Butaleja. Related stories
10 Feb 2010- Cholera
The New Vision (Uganda) [edited][ProMed] Angola- Cholera
03 Mar 2010
Angola Press [edited][ProMed]
A total of 6 cases of cholera disease were reported in the last 48 hours in the municipal hospital of Tombwa, southern Namibe province, a doctor reportedly told media sources.
According to the doctor, the districts of Rocha Magalhaes and Pinda are the hardest hit by the disease due to shortages of potable water.
He added that the Namibe province health authority on Monday [1 Mar 2010] started a training action of emergency teams. Those teams were to be sent to different places in the province to diffuse an awareness campaign to prevent the disease. He reportedly added that following the cholera outbreak the province is now under epidemiological surveillance. Angola- Cholera (Benguela)
19 Feb 2010
Angola Press Agency (Angop) [edited][ProMed]
From 12 to 18 Feb 2010, 7 cases of cholera, of which 2 resulted in deaths, were recorded at the district hospital of Bocoio, 102 km [63 mi] northeast of the city of Benguela. The local supervisor of the cholera treatment centre reportedly said that the cases were diagnosed at Lukunga village, in the commune of Passe, and the 5 hospitalized patients are already out of danger and receiving medical treatment.
The official was quoted as saying that to avoid the spread of the disease at
Lukunga village, the health sector is distributing treatment for drinking water.
Zimbabwe- Cholera (Masvingo)
19 Feb 2010
Afrique en Ligne, Panafrican News Agency (PANA) report [edited][ProMed]
Health officials in Zimbabwe were quoted as saying said Wednesday [17 Feb 2010] cholera had killed 9 people in the southern district of Mwenezi, and that it appeared to be spreading to neighboring regions. The provincial medical director said medical teams had been dispatched to the district and surrounding areas to contain the disease.
He reportedly said a further 8 cases of cholera were under treatment in Mwenezi, and there were signs the disease was spreading. Related stories
15 Feb 2010- Cholera resurfaces
Source: The Zimbabwean [edited][ProMed]
The World Health Organization says cholera has resurfaced in Zimbabwe after a month-long lull in an outbreak that has so far killed 5 people and infected nearly 150 others. The WHO said 7 new cholera cases were reported Harare, Mwenezi, Mount Darwin, and Shamva districts since the outbreak resurfaced on 4 Feb 2010. Zambia- Cholera (Copperbelt)
06 Feb 2010
Lusaka Times [edited][ProMed] An offical told media sources that the province has recorded more than 70 cases of cholera from Chililabombwe and Kitwe districts in 2010. The official reportedly said cholera has remained one of the world's most under reported and neglected diseases which occur in areas where access to safe water and sanitation is limited.
The health official said that contaminated water as a result of vandalized water pipes and shallow wells coupled with uncollected garbage have been identified to be a source of the outbreak. He added that the district's technical committee has intensified its monitoring of water quality in the district. Related stories
13 Feb 2010- Cholera
Lusaka Times, ZANIS [Zambia News & Information Services] report [edited]
The Ministry of Health has so far recorded 18 suspected cholera cases in Lusaka [the capital]. Benin- Cholera (Atlantique)
02 Feb 2010
UN Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN) [edited][ProMed]
In Benin, cholera has killed 5 people in the past 2 weeks in a rare dry-season outbreak. Health officials detected the 1st cases of the diarrheal disease on 13 Jan 2010 in the town of Bonou, 90 km east of the economic capital Cotonou, where 66 cases and 4 deaths were recorded up to 29 Jan 2010, according health officials. Three cases, one resulting in death, reportedly have also been recorded in Cotonou.
Nigeria- Six dead, 78 hospitalized (Rivers)
19 Jan 2010
The Nigeria Compass [edited][ProMed]
Six persons were confirmed dead on 18 Jan 2010, while 78 others were hospitalized following an outbreak of cholera at Opobo town in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government of Rivers State.
Angola- Cholera (Benguela)
18 Jan 2010
Angola Press [edited][ProMed]
A total of 31 cases of cholera, which resulted in one death, were registered by the local health sector from October to December 2009 in the district of Ganda, 220 km southeast of Benguela city.
Zimbabwe- Another cholera death reported in Midlands
11 Jan 2010
Voice of America [edited][ProMed]
The World Health Organization has reported another death from cholera in the Midlands province of Zimbabwe, bringing the number of deaths from the communicable disease in recent months to 6. A WHO report said there were 149 confirmed cases of cholera and 5 deaths from the disease between the beginning of September 2009 and 3 Jan 2010. It reportedly said the latest death occurred in Sanyati, Midlands province.
Tanzania- Cholera (Mwanza)
11 Jan 2010
The Citizen [edited] [ProMed]
Cholera has killed at least 60 people in Mwanza Region in the last 5 months.
Cholera broke out again in December 2009 when 195 persons contracted the disease, leading to the deaths of 18 people. A health official reportedly said 7 out 68 people who contracted the disease in Kwimba District had died by 7 Jan 2010. He said most of those who contracted cholera in Ukerewe and Magu districts did so after using contaminated water from Lake Victoria, while many of the patients in Kwimba caught the disease after visiting Magu District.
Kenya- Cholera (Nyanza)
08 Jan 2010
The Daily Nation [edited][ProMed]
Hawking of cooked food in Ugunja Town, Ugenya District has been banned following a suspected cholera outbreak. The move comes after 10 patients showing cholera symptoms were admitted to a hospital in Ugenya. Of the 10, one case was confirmed, according to reports made by public health officials.
26 Oct 2010
The New Vision Uganda [edited] [ProMed]
Polio is back in Uganda barely a year after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the country free of the disease. The health ministry and WHO announced on 25 Oct 2010 that cases of the disease have been identified in a district where one of the victims has developed paralysis. As a result, the ministry and WHO have announced a 3-phase supplementary vaccination exercise for 2 million children in 48 districts of eastern, northeastern, and northern Uganda. Poliomyelitis is a contagious viral disease that can lead to death. However, about 95% of those infected with the virus show no symptoms. The exercise is expected to cost approximately 5 million USD. The money will be contributed by the Government, WHO and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Uganda was declared polio-free in December of 2009 after the absence of the disease for 13 years. The disease is spread through consumption of food contaminated with fecal matter from an infected person.
East Africa- Deadly, noxious weeds threatens East African Food and Livestock Production
20 Oct. 2010
The East African [edited] [CAHFS-Daily News]
Kenya listed Parthenium hysterophorus as a noxious weed under its ‘Suppression of Noxious Weeds Act’ explaining that it has the potential to reduce yields in some crops by as much as 40%. Scientists based at the World Agro forestry Complex in Nairobi, have termed it a very harmful invasive alien species (IAS) — having an impact on both human and animal health. Some health problems associated with the weed include hay fever, asthma, and severe dermatitis. The scientists have warned governments in East Africa about weeds such as Parthenium that have been coming into the region mainly through contaminated food aid or the horticultural industry. The weed has invaded more than 1 million hectares in Ethiopia and has the ability of reducing pasture production by 90% and yields in crops such as sorghum by between 30 and 40%. This weed has also been detected in Ugandaand Arusha, Tanzania, which is said to be among the world’s 10 most dangerous plants.
Ghana- Four dead after eating contaminated food
19 Oct. 2010
Peace FM Online [edited] [BITES]
Four people have died in a farming community in the Bawku West District of the Upper East Region after eating what is suspected to be contaminated food. Three residents have been hospitalized and several others have suffered different conditions after eating the meat of slaughtered pigs and dogs which had apparently been fed with the contaminated food. It is also suspected that the deceased persons had applied a poisonous chemical to their food which might have led to the poisoning. The only grinding mill in the community used to grind the contaminated food has also been affected.
South Africa- Concerns about SA's water quality
18 Oct. 2010
News24 [edited] [BITES]
A food retailer says it is extremely concerned about the quality of the country’s water and the influence this has on food security. It has become clear over the past 18 months that the country’s water quality is declining drastically. Recently, traces of Escherichia coli on fresh produce have been discovered.
Sierra Leone- Lassa Fever
27 Sep 2010
Romandie News, Agence France-Press [edited] [ProMed]
An epidemic of Lassa hemorrhagic fever now affecting several West African countries and has reached Sierra Leone. It is responsible for 2 deaths according to a statement from the Sierra Leone Health Authorities. Rats are the source of Lassa fever infection. Lassa virus is transmitted among humans by direct contact with the blood, urine, and other biological secretions of an infected person. It is advised that rats, which are often used as a food source, should not be eaten.
Related Stories:
Sierra Leone- Lassa fever
8 Oct. 2010
News 24 [edited] [ProMed]
Health officials in Sierra Leone have reported that 45 people have died from Lassa fever in the first 9 months of the year, including a woman who ran a rat meat restaurant. The head of the health ministry's national disease surveillance unit said that up to 152 cases of Lassa fever, which can be transmitted by bush rats, had so far been confirmed for the same period. Lassa fever is a zoonotic disease. The animal reservoir of the virus causing Lassa fever are rodents of the genus Mastomys (bush rat). These rodents when infected with Lassa virus do not become ill, but they can shed the virus in their excreta. Humans usually become infected with Lassa virus casually from exposure to excreta of infected Mastomy and by the snaring and preparation of these animals as a source of food.
Zimbabwe- Cholera outbreak
15 September 2010
eFoodAlert.com [edited]
An outbreak of cholera has killed one person and infected four others near Zimbabwe’s border with South Africa.
Kenya- Undiagnosed Die-off in Fish, Water Poisoning Suspected
14 September 2010
The Nation (Nairobi), via AllAfrica [edited] [ProMed]
Panic has gripped residents of two districts following signs of water contamination in the upper reaches of the River Sabaki. Hundreds of fish have died as the National Environment Management Authority issued an alert to the residents. It has been reported that several people had begun suffering from diarrhea after eating the dead fish floating in the river. Samples of water from the river have been taken to government laboratories for analysis to determine the levels of poison in the water. People are being instructed to not eat the dead fish because it's dangerous. The river is the lifeline for thousands of residents. People use the river water for agricultural purposes, domestic use, and for their animals, often without treating it for contamination.
Kenya- Anthrax, human, bovine
30 August 2010
The Nation [edited] [ProMED]
One person died and eight others were taken to a hospital after eating anthrax contaminated meat. The victim was a 40-year-old man. He started complaining of stomachache shortly after arriving home from the shopping centre where he had eaten the meat. It is believed that the meat has been eaten by at least 150 people who attended a burial ceremony.
Cameroon- Cholera outbreak in kills 77
26 July 2010
Reuters Africa [edited] [EatDrinkandBe.org]
Cholera has killed 77 people in northern Cameroon since early June, raising concern that the worst epidemic since 2004 may spread into neighboring Nigeria and Chad. Cholera, a disease generally spread through food and water contaminated with bacteria, often strikes the central African country where less than half the population has access to potable water, according to the United Nations. The International Committee of the Red Cross said there was a risk of the outbreak spreading fast.
Cote D’Ivorie- Antrax in Humans and Livestock
15 July 2010
AfriScooP.com [edited] [ProMED]
An outbreak of anthrax has killed five people in the region of Bouna. It is believed that these people were in contact with sick animals (cattle).
Kenya- Aflatoxin Poisoning Cases
8 July 2010
KBC [edited] [ProMED]
Eight suspected cases of aflatoxin poisoning have been reported at a mission hospital in Eastern Province. Samples of maize taken from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) Kitui depot have been found to be contaminated with aflatoxin. The surveillance of grains in the area has been delayed by a lack of cooperation by farmers who failed to provide their maize for testing. Two of the patients are still admitted at the hospital and the six other patients were treated and discharged. The government earlier this year announced that it would purchase contaminated maize from farmers especially in the larger Eastern province and parts of Coast province to ensure it was not consumed by unsuspecting residents. Scientists say the occurrence of aflatoxin is endemic in the area due to the soil being a major contributor to the growth of mold in addition to high moisture content and high temperatures. Suggestions have been made that farmers in the region grow maize for production of fuel rather than food.
South Africa- Food poisoning hits Fifa workers
18 Jun 2010
iol.co.za [edited] [BITES]
Ninety Fifa World Cup volunteers were treated for food poisoning after eating breakfast at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga on Friday.
A kocal organising committee spokesman reportedly said an investigation had been launched to determine if the food was contaminated and if so, how it got contaminated.
Kenya- Aflatoxin in Maize
16 Jun 2010
The Nation [edited][ProMed]
The government had promised to test all the maize held by farmers in 29 affected districts. It also promised to buy for destruction, any contaminated cereal for KES 1000 [USD 12.40] to cushion farmers against losses.
This has yet to happen, so farmers are consuming and retailing the grain.
The Eastern provincial commissioner reportedly said mobile kits would be used to test the maize, adding that there were 11 hospitalizations and all but 3 people have recovered and left the hospital, after consuming contaminated grain.
Related stories
04 Jun 2010- Aflatoxin
Afrol news [edited][ProMed]
In Kenya, at least 2.3 million bags of maize are this year [2010] rendered unfit for consumption and trade due to high toxic levels produced by a fungus. Scientists now try to prevent future contamination.
Kenya this year [2010] is again grappling with high levels of aflatoxin contamination that has rendered at least 2.3 million bags of maize unfit for human and livestock consumption and trade, to the dismay of the millions of small-scale farmers that depend on the crop for food and income.
The contamination of the country's main staple with aflatoxin, a highly poisonous cancer-causing chemical produced by a fungus scientifically known as Aspergillus flavus, was a result of poor drying and storage of the grain following heavy rainfall near harvest time, according to scientists. Nigeria - Lead poisoning kills 100 children in north 04 Jun 2010
BBC [edited][ProMed]
More than 100 children have died of lead poisoning in Nigeria in recent weeks, health officials reportedly said. The number has been rising since March 2010, when residents started digging illegally for gold in areas with high concentrations of lead. The victims were from several remote villages in the northern state of Zamfara.
A total of 163 out of 355 cases of poisoning have proved fatal, a Nigerian health ministry official reportedly told media sources.
Health authorities have set up 2 camps in the area to treat people who are suffering symptoms of lead poisoning.
The deaths were discovered during the country's annual immunization programme, when officials realised there were virtually no children in several remote villages in the northern state, media sources reportedly said.
Villagers said the children had died of malaria and it was only when a team from international aid agency “Medecins Sans Frontiers” took blood tests from local people that the high concentrations of lead were discovered. Uganda- Ugandans flee Island on Lake Victoria over an outbreak of strange disease 04 Jun 2010
Uganda Health News [edited][ProMed]
Hundreds of people on Sigulu Island on Lake Victoria have fled their homes this week [week ending 4 Jun 2010] due to an outbreak of a strange disease. Field reports indicate that at least 2 people have been killed by the strange disease and more than 20 have been admitted to Uganda and Kenyan hospitals.
The victims reportedly complain of stomach pains, headache and diarrhea. The doctors reportedly say the outbreak of this strange disease is not cholera. Nigeria-Cholera
24 May 2010
AllAfrica, Daily Trust report [edited][ProMed]
Last Wednesday, 19 May 2010, 4 persons lost their lives following an outbreak of cholera at Ibwa community in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory. An official reportedly said 2 persons died on the 1st day of the outbreak of the epidemic last week, while another 2 died the following day at the community's health centre.
According to the official, on receiving information on the outbreak, the council authority immediately sent additional drugs to the affected community in order to control the epidemic. A report indicated that 118 people were affected by the epidemic, including children, who were treated.
Uganda- Cholera (Tororo)
23 May 2010
Xinhua News Agency [edited][ProMed]
An outbreak of cholera following frequent floods in eastern Uganda has left 6 people dead and dozens more admitted in hospital, local authorities reportedly said on [Sat 22 May 2010].
The outbreak in Tororo district, eastern Uganda, was a result of recent flash floods that ravaged parts of the mountainous area following torrential rains, local officials reportedly said.
The floods destroyed the latrine facilities, contaminating drinking water and posing a grave health threat to the local communities.
Uganda- Cholera (Moroto)
22 May 2010
Daily Monitor (Uganda) [edited][ProMed]
The cholera epidemic in Moroto District has spread out to 40 villages, authorities have said. About 220 cases and 5 deaths have been reported since the outbreak was detected on 16 Apr 2010.
According to the World Health Organization's 'health action in crisis' officer in charge, 20 to 25 cases of cholera are diagnosed each day at the treatment unit in Moroto District.
South Africa- Fatal Norovirus in neonatal unit (Johannesburg) 21 May 2010
IOL (Independent Online, South Africa), The Star report [edited][ProMed]
The diarrhoea that killed 6 babies at a hospital in Johannesburg was caused by a norovirus, a type of community-acquired virus [infection] that causes stomach [illness], a leader at the hospital reportedly confirmed yesterday [20 May 2010]. He explained that the babies were susceptible to the virus because of their weak
[undeveloped] immune systems.
All the babies in the neonatal ward were born prematurely and weigh less than 1 kg [2.2 lb]. At the time of the infection, there were about 50 babies in the ward -- 15 more than the stipulated maximum of 35.
The official reported that the deaths of 11 babies at a hospital on 11 May 2010 were ascribed to neonatal sepsis, low birth weight, prematurity, or stillbirth, and were unrelated to the diarrhea that killed the 6 babies in the most recent outbreak. Uganda- Methanol poisoning, Fatal 19 May 2010 Time.com [edited][ProMed]
More than 100 people have reportedly died in western Uganda since early April [2010] after ingesting a methanol-laced version of a homemade gin known as waragi. The popular drink, easy to make and cheap to buy, has been blamed for causing blindness and death before, but never so many in such a short span of time. Illegal production of hard liquor is a problem across much of Africa, but it may be worst in Uganda.
Unregulated waragi accounts for nearly 80 percent of the liquor produced in the country, according to the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), which oversees production of legal products in the country. It doesn't help that the alcohol is inexpensive and that the penalties for producing or selling it are ineffective. A tall glass of homemade waragi, often made from bananas or cassava, millet or sugarcane, goes for about 25 cents, one-sixth the cost of the leading regulated brand. Illegal production carries a fine of only about [USD] 1.50 and a jail term not to exceed 6 months, while offenders' cases are often dropped before they reach a courtroom.
The drink is packaged in cheap sachets sometimes as small as 100 ml and costing as little as 10 cents, making them accessible to the destitute and children.
Angola- Diarrhea (Luanda)
18 May 2010
Angola Press Agency (Angop) [in Portuguese, machine trans., edited][ProMed]
During the first 4 months of the year [2010], 1101 cases of acute diarrhea were treated at a health center in the Rangel municipality, in Luanda province, 100 more than during the same period of 2009. According to an official, in January [2010], 268 people consulted the center, 400 in February, 184 in March, and 250 in April.
The official emphasized that the lack of the sanitation of the environment and the lack of attention of some parents to the medical advice are the base of the frequent epidemic. The municipality of Rangel has an estimated population of 700,000 inhabitants distributed in the communes of the Marcal, Nelito Soares, and Rangel.
Sudan- Cholera (Northern Bahr el Ghazal)
16 May 2010
Sudan Tribune [edited][ProMed]
Peth Lou, one of the local administrative units situated east of Wanyjok, headquarters of Aweil East County, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, may be again on the verge of a severe cholera outbreak. Peth is to the south of Malual Baai Payam where there is a health center reportedly run by International Rescue Committee, it is also to the East of Madhol and west of Tokyep village from where 10 people mostly children are reportedly caught by watery diarrhea.
The outbreak is entering its 2nd week. It has quickly spread into surrounding villages of Mabil, Dhok, Rumrit, and Baai chok, Wunyiik, Maluil, Majak, Warkou,
Halkou, and Riangkou, Marial Ngap, killing 2 people and infecting the entire village.
The village, located 20 miles [32 km] from the main Aweil Civil Hospital, is home to over 10,000 residents. Health authorities say the disease first struck towards the end of April 2009, killing 3 people before its confirmation by the local ministry of health.
It is believed another 21 villages surrounding Ameth Lou, east of Malual Baai Payam, have also registered cholera cases in the last week with records showing that 12 suspected patients were admitted at Malual health center before being discharged.
Some of the villages that are worst hit in Ameth include; Wunyor, Warapac, Mayom, Akong, Akuac, and Majak Paluiel. Mathiangdit and Areng have also been reported to have the highest number of infections.
Kenya- Cholera (Rift Valley, Coast)
10 May 2010
Eat Drink and Be [edited][ProMed]
A fast-spreading outbreak of cholera has killed at least 10 people in West Pokot [Rift Valley province] and Kilifi [Coast province] districts, in what the government said on 10 May 2010 was the worst epidemic since the onset of the current rains.
The Public Health Minister reportedly confirmed that 8 people had died in West Pokot and that her ministry had dispatched officers to flood-prone regions to sensitize residents on ways to prevent the scourge.
Elsewhere, 2 children from Matsangoni village, Kilifi are feared to have died of the water-borne disease while 4 people had been admitted to health centers there.
Kenya- Cholera
19 Mar 2010
UN Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN) [edited][ProMed]
As of 15 Mar 2010, 15 districts nationwide were affected with cholera, with 663 cases confirmed since January 2010, according to a Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation update. At least 15 deaths have been recorded. Worst affected are parts of Coast, Eastern and Rift Valley provinces. Kajiado District, in Rift Valley, has 177 cases.
In 2009, at least 781 cholera cases were laboratory confirmed with 274 deaths, in an outbreak attributed to widespread water shortages because of drought, contaminated dry river beds and poor hygiene.
At present, more cholera deaths and cases are being reported in remote areas. Suspected cholera deaths have been reported in the northwestern Turkana Central District, a medical officer told media sources.
Some 127 cases of cholera have been recorded in the eastern district of Tharaka since 7 Mar 2010, officials reported. A temporary outpatient treatment camp has been set up at the worst-hit Makutano Police Post, with medical personnel from surrounding areas mobilized to assist the sick. Other areas affected include the villages of Ura Gate, Mauthuni, Gakauni and Gatithini. Related stories
14 Feb 2010- Cholera (Rift Valley) Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) [edited][ProMed]
Mozambique- Cholera
19 Mar 2010
Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique [edited][ProMed]
The Mozambican Health Ministry reportedly said the cholera situation is stable in the 5 northern and central provinces hit by the disease in 2010. The Ministry's spokesperson told media on Thu 18 Mar 2010 that in the previous 24 hours several new cases of the disease had been notified, but no deaths were reported.
In the central province of Zambezia there had been 12 new cases, in Cabo Delgado 9 cases were reported, in Nampula 6 and in Sofala 5. In the 6th province affected, Niassa, there were no new cases at all.
The worst hit province is Zambezia. Since 1 Jan 2010, there have been 1188 cases notified in Zambezia and 19 deaths. The figures for Cabo Delgado are 679 cases and 7 deaths, and for Niassa 543 cases and 13 deaths. Sofala has reported 241 cases and 1 death, and Nampula 167 cases and 1 death.
Related Stories
13 Mar 2010- Cholera
Targana.com [edited][ProMed] 10 Feb 2010- Cholera
AllAfrica, Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique (Maputo) report[edited][ProMed] Zambia- Cholera
19 Mar 2010
Africa News [edited][ProMed]
A total of 11 people have died of cholera in Zambia since the outbreak of the disease at the onset of rainy season in late 2009.
The waterborne disease is endemic in the southern African state during the wet and rainy season of October to March.
A Ministry of Health spokesperson reportedly said there has also been an increase in cholera cases from 241 in February 2010 to 564 in March 2010. Te official reportedly said that the Ministry of Health has continued to monitor the situation from escalating and that basic water and sanitation measures are being provided to vulnerable communities nationwide.
Uganda- Cholera (Manafwa)
06 Mar 2010
The Monitor [edited][ProMed]
The landslide affected area of Bududa District is on high alert for a cholera outbreak, as the infection has already been confirmed in the neighboring district of Manafwa, with further suspected infections in Butaleja. Related stories
10 Feb 2010- Cholera
The New Vision (Uganda) [edited][ProMed] Angola- Cholera
03 Mar 2010
Angola Press [edited][ProMed]
A total of 6 cases of cholera disease were reported in the last 48 hours in the municipal hospital of Tombwa, southern Namibe province, a doctor reportedly told media sources.
According to the doctor, the districts of Rocha Magalhaes and Pinda are the hardest hit by the disease due to shortages of potable water.
He added that the Namibe province health authority on Monday [1 Mar 2010] started a training action of emergency teams. Those teams were to be sent to different places in the province to diffuse an awareness campaign to prevent the disease. He reportedly added that following the cholera outbreak the province is now under epidemiological surveillance. Angola- Cholera (Benguela)
19 Feb 2010
Angola Press Agency (Angop) [edited][ProMed]
From 12 to 18 Feb 2010, 7 cases of cholera, of which 2 resulted in deaths, were recorded at the district hospital of Bocoio, 102 km [63 mi] northeast of the city of Benguela. The local supervisor of the cholera treatment centre reportedly said that the cases were diagnosed at Lukunga village, in the commune of Passe, and the 5 hospitalized patients are already out of danger and receiving medical treatment.
The official was quoted as saying that to avoid the spread of the disease at
Lukunga village, the health sector is distributing treatment for drinking water.
Zimbabwe- Cholera (Masvingo)
19 Feb 2010
Afrique en Ligne, Panafrican News Agency (PANA) report [edited][ProMed]
Health officials in Zimbabwe were quoted as saying said Wednesday [17 Feb 2010] cholera had killed 9 people in the southern district of Mwenezi, and that it appeared to be spreading to neighboring regions. The provincial medical director said medical teams had been dispatched to the district and surrounding areas to contain the disease.
He reportedly said a further 8 cases of cholera were under treatment in Mwenezi, and there were signs the disease was spreading. Related stories
15 Feb 2010- Cholera resurfaces
Source: The Zimbabwean [edited][ProMed]
The World Health Organization says cholera has resurfaced in Zimbabwe after a month-long lull in an outbreak that has so far killed 5 people and infected nearly 150 others. The WHO said 7 new cholera cases were reported Harare, Mwenezi, Mount Darwin, and Shamva districts since the outbreak resurfaced on 4 Feb 2010. Zambia- Cholera (Copperbelt)
06 Feb 2010
Lusaka Times [edited][ProMed] An offical told media sources that the province has recorded more than 70 cases of cholera from Chililabombwe and Kitwe districts in 2010. The official reportedly said cholera has remained one of the world's most under reported and neglected diseases which occur in areas where access to safe water and sanitation is limited.
The health official said that contaminated water as a result of vandalized water pipes and shallow wells coupled with uncollected garbage have been identified to be a source of the outbreak. He added that the district's technical committee has intensified its monitoring of water quality in the district. Related stories
13 Feb 2010- Cholera
Lusaka Times, ZANIS [Zambia News & Information Services] report [edited]
The Ministry of Health has so far recorded 18 suspected cholera cases in Lusaka [the capital]. Benin- Cholera (Atlantique)
02 Feb 2010
UN Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN) [edited][ProMed]
In Benin, cholera has killed 5 people in the past 2 weeks in a rare dry-season outbreak. Health officials detected the 1st cases of the diarrheal disease on 13 Jan 2010 in the town of Bonou, 90 km east of the economic capital Cotonou, where 66 cases and 4 deaths were recorded up to 29 Jan 2010, according health officials. Three cases, one resulting in death, reportedly have also been recorded in Cotonou.
Nigeria- Six dead, 78 hospitalized (Rivers)
19 Jan 2010
The Nigeria Compass [edited][ProMed]
Six persons were confirmed dead on 18 Jan 2010, while 78 others were hospitalized following an outbreak of cholera at Opobo town in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government of Rivers State.
Angola- Cholera (Benguela)
18 Jan 2010
Angola Press [edited][ProMed]
A total of 31 cases of cholera, which resulted in one death, were registered by the local health sector from October to December 2009 in the district of Ganda, 220 km southeast of Benguela city.
Zimbabwe- Another cholera death reported in Midlands
11 Jan 2010
Voice of America [edited][ProMed]
The World Health Organization has reported another death from cholera in the Midlands province of Zimbabwe, bringing the number of deaths from the communicable disease in recent months to 6. A WHO report said there were 149 confirmed cases of cholera and 5 deaths from the disease between the beginning of September 2009 and 3 Jan 2010. It reportedly said the latest death occurred in Sanyati, Midlands province.
Tanzania- Cholera (Mwanza)
11 Jan 2010
The Citizen [edited] [ProMed]
Cholera has killed at least 60 people in Mwanza Region in the last 5 months.
Cholera broke out again in December 2009 when 195 persons contracted the disease, leading to the deaths of 18 people. A health official reportedly said 7 out 68 people who contracted the disease in Kwimba District had died by 7 Jan 2010. He said most of those who contracted cholera in Ukerewe and Magu districts did so after using contaminated water from Lake Victoria, while many of the patients in Kwimba caught the disease after visiting Magu District.
Kenya- Cholera (Nyanza)
08 Jan 2010
The Daily Nation [edited][ProMed]
Hawking of cooked food in Ugunja Town, Ugenya District has been banned following a suspected cholera outbreak. The move comes after 10 patients showing cholera symptoms were admitted to a hospital in Ugenya. Of the 10, one case was confirmed, according to reports made by public health officials.
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