Description of the situation
In addition to the cholera outbreak, a steady increase in the number of bloody diarrhoeal cases has been registered since 18 August 2003 in Monrovia , Liberia, with a total of 1 857 cases. The number of deaths is not registered in the health facilities that are participating in the emergency surveillance system.
An average of 240 cases per week have been reported during the month of October. Stool samples have been taken and Shigella confirmed. Further laboratory investigations have ruled out Shigella dysenteriae type 1.
WHO and UNICEF are coordinating interventions to ensure proper management of cases and of the environment, including safe water and sanitation.