Iran: cholera outbreak costs farmers US$ 55.5 million

A cholera outbreak in Iran and a government ban on growing and selling green vegetables has cost local farmers at least US$ 55.5 million (EUR 44.5 million), the Agriculture Ministry was quoted by AFP on 18 August 2005. Official figures also showed a small rise in the number of reported cholera cases, with eight deaths and 626 infections in the last month. Health Ministry officials said the outbreak has affected 15 of Iran's 30 provinces.

On 15 August the health ministry banned the planting and distribution of green vegetables for the next two months. State television has also warned people to avoid consuming vegetables and ice blocks sold on the street and many restaurants have been banned from serving salads.

In 1991, a cholera outbreak in Peru is said to have cost the country US$ 770 million (EUR 617 million) due to food trade embargoes and adverse effects on tourism

[1] WHO - Global epidemics and impact of cholera

Source: IranMania, 18 Aug 2005

Keywords

• Water-related diseases