(Vatican Radio) Mexico’s health authorities confirm a cholera outbreak of 159 cases,
but more than 3,000 others are also likely infected.
The epicenter of the
cholera epidemic is in the central State of Hidalgo, where 148 cases have been reported
to date. Mexico's National Water Commission says the source of the infection is the
Tecoluco River, which is contaminated with the virus, due to raw sewage mingling with
drinking water.
Two cases have also been reported in Mexico City, and nine
others in the neighbouring state.
The government has launched a nationwide
hygiene campaign to try and contain the cholera outbreak and prevent it from spreading
beyond four states.
The last time cholera swept through Mexico was in 2001.
In the past month, there have been torrential rains from two simultaneous tropical
storms and severe flooding, which have affected large swaths of the country.