The ongoing cholera outbreak in Sierra Leone is still on the increase with the Capital City and its suburbs (Western Area) accounting for more than 50% of the reported cases and about 34% of the deaths nationally. Kailahun remains the only district in the country without a confirmed cholera case. Active surveillance and social mobilisation activities are however underway in that district to prevent spread of the disease in case of an outbreak there.

Analysis of the daily national cumulative data of 4 September 2012 put the reported cases at 16,096 with 254 deaths and a case fatality rate of 1.6%. The Western Area, Bombali and Kenema Districts recorded the highest cases during the reporting period as indicated in the table above

The Cholera Command and Control Center (C4) meets daily at the national level to provide update on the Minis-try of Health and partners’ response activities, review available data on the current trend of the outbreak, discuss issues and make recommendations to improve response. Similar coordination meetings are also ongoing in the districts with daily reports to the C4.

A one day media orientation for 35 print and electronic media journalists was held today by MoHS in collaboration with WHO and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) to empower and encourage the media to report appropriately on the cholera outbreak. Key facts and messages on prevention and control of the disease were made available to the journalists to dispel rumours and misconceptions about cholera and to promote personal hygiene and sanitation as well as early care seeking.