Description of the situation
22 January 1997
Disease Outbreak Reported
The Ministry of Health has reported an outbreak of cholera in Yacuiba, Tarija Province. This area is on the border of Salta Province, Argentina where an increase in cholera cases has been reported. From 1 to 16 January 492 cases had been reported in Yacuiba. A further 231 cases with 6 deaths occurred in other provinces in Bolivia - Beni, Potosi and Santa Cruz. Fifty per cent of these cases have been confirmed in the laboratory.
A team from the Ministry of Health and PAHO/WHO is coordinating efforts to promote preventive measures in the affected areas. A meeting was held on 18 January between the Bolivian and Argentinian health authorities to discuss and implement environmental control measures.