Fears PNG cholera outbreak is spreading

AAP

A cholera outbreak on Papua New Guinea’s side of Torres Strait has been contained, but health officials fear the deadly bacteria is spreading inland.
PNG department of health officials say 30 villagers have died from cholera on Daru, a tiny remote island off the coast of PNG’s Western Province that is close to Australia’s Cape York.

More than 800 Daru people have been diagnosed with cholera. The disease spread to the island from an outbreak that was first recorded in September last year on PNG’s northeast coast.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) along with Australian aid agency AusAID have been regularly flying in medical supplies in a much-needed relief effort.

Western Province communications officer Dr Naomi Pomat told AAP in Daru the response to the disease had been slow because of an early misdiagnosis.
‘‘The first test presented for typhoid. Then the clinical staff realised the presentation was wrong and more likely cholera,’’ she said.

Villagers travelling by sea to Daru and other islands in the mouth of the Fly River had aided the rapid spread of the deadly bacteria that causes diarrhoea-like symptoms.
‘‘Settlements on the island are very crowded. The influx of people especially from the surrounding villages has increased the incidence.

‘‘Because of the high water table on Daru, you can’t build good toilets, and poor sanitation and access to water has also fuelled the spread.
‘‘There is a big problem here, but it’s not just from now - it goes back to the colonial days.’’
The WHO representative in Daru, Geoffrey Clark, said the cholera outbreak on the island was under control with efforts now focused on reducing its spread on PNG’s southern coast.
‘‘There has been an excellent coordinated response since cholera was first reported.’’

Cholera usually makes people only mildly sick, but up to 10 per cent of patients develop a severe illness.
It is transmitted by water contaminated by bacteria from an infected person or food contaminated by dirty water, soiled hands or flies.
Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd announced an extra $500,000 in aid to provide clean water for villages and essential medical supplies.

‘‘Australia remains concerned about cases in the hinterland around Daru island, with potential for further spread of the disease,’’ he said.
Australia has provided $1.7 million in assistance to combat the PNG outbreak, which is said to have killed 100 people so far.

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