BAMAKO, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- Cholera has killed three people in Ansongo health district, located in Mali's norther region of Gao, local radio Studio Tamani reported on Wednesday.
The report cited Dr. Abdoul Aziz Maiga, chief medical officer of the area, adding that six cases were also placed in solitary confinement.
According to the radio, cholera cases have been detected in localities of Ansongo circle since last week. This information was confirmed by the ministry of Health and Social Development, which had reported two cases in a press release on Sept. 11.
Dr. Maiga told the radio that the suspected cases arose after the departure of a person who had stayed in his village for 48 hours.
"This person had previously left Ayerou. And just 48 hours after his departure, a 17-year-old girl died from diarrhea and vomiting. Two days after her death, a young boy and an old woman also died in isolation," he said.
"Today, we reached six patients who are in isolation and are supported by our services," added the chief doctor.
According to observers, raining season is the time cholera epidemics are most widespread in these areas because of the floods and also because people tend to consume water from sources that are not clean. Enditem