Cholera spreads from Iraq to Iran: WHO expert

By Stephanie Nebehay

GENEVA (Reuters) - Cholera has jumped the border from Iraq to Iran, highlighting the need for neighboring countries to boost their defenses against the deadly disease, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday.

Cholera has struck at least 3,315 people in Iraq since mid-August, killing at least 15. WHO global cholera coordinator Claire-Lise Chaignat said that up to 10 cases have also been confirmed in Iran, near the Iraqi border.

It was not clear whether these were Iraqi refugees or local Iranians, according to the Swiss expert, who warned the epidemic could threaten refugee camps in the region if not controlled.

"Some cases, around nine or 10, have been confirmed in Iran. The situation seems contained," in the Islamic Republic, Chaignat told Reuters in Geneva.

Cholera, which is continuing to spread within Iraq, can be carried by refugees and pilgrims, and through normal trade, she said. "Borders are permeable, closing them won't stop the germ."

The virulent disease is characterized by a sudden onset of acute watery diarrhea that in severe cases can cause death by dehydration and kidney failure within hours. It is transmitted mainly through contaminated water and food.

Iraq shares borders with Iran, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Some 60,000 Iraqis flee their homes each month and 2.2 million Iraqis have crossed into neighboring countries, mainly Syria and Jordan, according to the United Nations.

"We are particularly worried about countries with Iraqi refugees where they don't always have access to good water and sanitation and hygienic conditions," Chaignat said. "It is important to catch the first cases and treat them correctly."