MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Dengue infested Paraguay admits “isolated” cholera cases

Health authorities in Paraguay acknowledged this week the existence of an outbreak of cholera in an isolated Indian settlement in the western region of Chaco. Paraguay, as well as neighbouring Bolivia, Brazil and Argentina are also suffering a serious outbreak of the mosquito transmitted dengue

“The outbreak took place in March and infected five people, four from the same family in an Ayorea community known as Ebotogue” senior Health and Welfare Ministry official Dr. Ivan Allende said.

Medical officials had reported last week an infection in the same community but said it was an isolated case.

“The patients who caught it are out of danger, but could be exposed to re-infection, so the Health and Welfare Ministry is going ahead with preventive measures,” the doctor said, adding that “yes, there is an outbreak of cholera” in that area of Boqueron province bordering Argentina and Bolivia.

Allende said that other outbreaks have been detected of severe diarrheic disorders in Chaco that are unrelated to the cholera, though he added that to eliminate any doubts samples have been collected for laboratory testing.

“Investigations by the team in the area revealed the precariousness of the population’s access to a secure water supply and the need to put strategies in place that will ensure water quality for communities exposed to prolonged drought,” the official said.