Bamako, Mali - The number of cholera cases recorded in the Malian regions of Mopti and Tombouctou has risen from 116 to 419, causing the death of 35 patients between 5 July and 3 August, the National Health Division (DNS) announced here Monday.

The disease is ravaging 12 health districts of the two regions, DNS said, adding that the rapid spread of the epidemics could mainly be explained by the consumption of the non-treated water from the Niger river.

The latest development is Mali's 13th cholera epidemic since 1970.

Pana 09/08/2011