GENEVA (AP) — The World Health Organization is asking Pakistan to investigate a reported case of cholera in the northwest Swat Valley amid concern that an epidemic could break out in flood affected areas.
WHO says cholera, which can spread rapidly after floods and other disasters, is endemic in Pakistan and the case may be unrelated to any large-scale outbreak.
But spokesman Paul Garwood said Monday that international health rules require Pakistan to investigate the case and report its findings back to WHO.
He says it’s up to Pakistan to declare whether there has been an outbreak.
Tens of thousands of people have been infected with waterborne diseases in Pakistan since heavy rains caused floods in much of the country.
