Niger´s health ministry reported that 2,874 cases of the waterborne disease had been recorded in the capital Niamey patients infected with the disease and five other regions—Maradi, Zinder, Dosso, Tahoua and Tillaberi.

With the support of Médecins sans Frontières (MSF), the UN and the European Union, Niger is trying to curb the epidemic by multiplying awareness campaigns, distributing products to treat water and disinfecting public places, public transport and wells in infected villages.

Stocks of medicines and rapid screening tests have been sent to the affected regions where the sick are being treated free of charge in isolation sites, the Nigerien government says.

mh/pll/mem / obf