Description of the situation
07 January 1998
Disease Outbreak Reported
The outbreak which began at the end of January 1997 has continued throughout the year and a cumulative total of 35 591 cases and 2025 deaths had been reported up to the end of December (including 1065 cases and 123 deaths which occurred in Zanzibar since the beginning of December). The WHO office in the United Republic of Tanzania is working closely with the national authorities to control the outbreak and has made supplies available to the Ministries of Health in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. A team of WHO staff is currently in Zanzibar where the incidence of the disease appears to be decreasing.
Travellers visiting the United Republic of Tanzania (including Zanzibar) should take the normal precautions regarding food, water and hygiene recommended for all countries where cholera may occur, as well as other water-borne diseases.