 Cholera death toll rises to 19POHNPEI, Palikir (FSM Information Service): September 2000 - Four more deaths due to cholera have been reported to health officials last week bringing the number to 19 since the epidemic began in April 17, according to Amato Elymore, National Health Statistician/ Public Health Surveillance Coordinator. On August 22, 11 people were treated for suspected cholera; August 23, 7 were treated; on August 24, 10 were treated, and on August 25, 12 were treated. On August 26 and 27, the number dropped to 9 people treated each day; on August 28, the number doubled to 18 people treated and August 29, 25 were treated. The August 29 figure was the highest number reported since July 25, but the next day this number climbed to 27 people being treated. On August 31, the number dropped to 15 people being treated. The number of people treated remained at 15 for September 1 and 2, but fell significantly on September 3 to only four being treated. On September 4, the number rose to 12. Since the governor of Pohnpei lifted the emergency order pertaining to cholera, people have relaxed their guard, with some thinking that there is no more cholera, said Elymore. He urged people to continue practicing the same hygienic safeguards that existed under the emergency orders. In the meantime, the cholera vaccine has arrived on Pohnpei and will soon be made available, according to FSM Department of Health, Education, and Social Affairs Secretary and FSM representative to the Pohnpei State Cholera Task Force Dr. Eliuel Pretrick, Monday afternoon. |