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Iranian Health Official Says Illegal Immigrants Cause of Cholera Outbreak

Posted on: Friday, 5 August 2005, 09:01 CDT

Text of report by Iranian radio on 5 August

According to the Health Ministry, illegal immigrants are responsible for the recent outbreak of cholera in the country. The deputy health minister, Dr Akbari, says:

[Akbari] As I have said on numerous occasions, fortunately cholera is under control in the country. No serious cases have been reported. However, this doesn't mean that we shouldn't be worried. For instance; 100 Pakistanis who were living around Indus River in Punjab region until recently, have travelled to Qom and settled in various parts of that province

. Cholera has been transmitted by these illegal immigrants. Indus River has historically been the birth place of cholera epidemic. Unfortunately, these illegal immigrants have settled in central Iran, meaning Qom. Their number probably exceeds 100. We hope to identify and deport these individuals with the cooperation of Qom governor and governor- general's offices. While burdening us with great financial cost, these individuals are also cholera carriers even if they don't show any symptoms themselves. As far as Tehran and Karaj are concerned vegetables are the source of cholera bacteria - especially vegetables that are grown on south of Tehran and suburbs of Karaj. Our epidemiological studies have shown that cholera outbreak in these areas can be traced to vegetables. Therefore, I cannot stress enough the importance of thoroughly disinfecting vegetables. The easiest way is to use high water pressure to wash vegetables. Then add a spoonful of bleach to them and let it sit for a minute before washing them again. This is an effective prevention. We must also ask foreign tourists and those pilgrims to our holy cities - be it to Mashhad or Qom - to follow these instructions when consuming food, water and vegetables.

Source: BBC Monitoring Middle East

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