Cholera spreads from Iraq to Iran--WHO expert

Cholera spreads from Iraq to Iran--WHO expert
By Stephanie Nebehay

GENEVA, Oct 4 (Reuters) - Cholera has jumped the border from Iraq to Iran, highlighting the need for neighbouring countries to boost their defences 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.