Syria, Jordan trying to keep cholera out

AMMAN, Jordan, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- Countries bordering Iraq are taking measures to prevent an outbreak of cholera after reports that the disease has crossed into Iran.

The UN's IRIN news service said Jordanian and Iraqi governments have agreed that air passengers from Iraq be screened before they embark on flights to Jordan or when they land in the country's capital. Passengers are given certificates by the Iraqi side indicating they are cholera-free.

Syria has not not initiated any screening for incoming Iraqis for cholera-related symptoms but officials say they have medical supplies and the country has all but closed its borders to Iraqi refugees.

There have been 3,300 cases of cholera in Iraq and 14 deaths since August, IRIN said Wednesday. The outbreak is blamed on poor water supplies and a lack of sanitation.

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