Iraqi officials warn of cholera outbreak

BAGHDAD, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Iraqi officials with the Health Ministry expressed concern over the growing number of cholera cases being diagnosed in Baghdad and other areas.

Ihssan Jaafar with the Iraqi Health Ministry told the U.N. humanitarian news service, IRIN, that Baghdad witnessed two more cases of cholera, bringing the total number of reports to seven, including one fatality.

"So far seven cases have been confirmed since last week: five in Baghdad's western suburb of Abu Ghraib, one in its eastern Rasafa side and the seventh was the fatality in Maysan province," he said.

Jaafar said there have been several cases reported in the southern Babil province, though a positive diagnosis is dependent on additional testing.

The additional reports bring the total number of reported cases of cholera to 30.

A major outbreak in July 2007 hit northern Iraq, with more than 2,000 cases reported.

Iraqi officials said an unusually warm summer and a lack of clean drinking water led to the latest outbreak.

Cholera is an intestinal disease transmitted through contaminated drinking water. Symptoms include severe diarrhea and dehydration.