Bujumbura, Burundi - The cholera outbreak in Burundi has claimed three lives, out of 100 patients admitted since the end of July in different health facilities across the country, Minister of Public Health Sabine Ntakarutimana announced Friday.

The minister mentioned Bujumbura city, the nation's capital, as one of the areas worse hit by the disease. The other areas are in the West of the country and along the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

The minister announced several toll free numbers for members of the public to report to the nearest health centre suspected cases of severe diarrhea and vomiting, which are the main symptoms of the disease.

Specialised centres for the treatment of the disease have also been set up in the localities considered to be the most vulnerable, the minister said, adding that the national water board would increase water supply to vulnerable communities to help curtail the spread of the disease.

Pana 20/08/2011