UK Independent:

An outbreak of cholera in Iraq, which has so far infected 1,500 people, has now reached Baghdad, the World Health Organisation reported yesterday [Here].

The revelation that cholera has now spread to the Iraqi capital, with its vast population of internally displaced refugees and crumbling water and sewage system offering scope for rther [sic] proliferation, is a matter of great worry, say health officials.

Fadela Chaib, a spokeswoman for the WHO, said: “The first case of cholera confirmed in Baghdad was two days ago. A 25-year-old woman had contracted the disease. For the time being we have only one case. It is likely others will be identified. The most important thing for Baghdad, even if it is difficult, is to strengthen the disease surveillance system, to be able to identify all the suspected cases and to know what we need in terms of oral rehydration salts, intravenous fluids and antibiotics so we can be ready when we see more cases.”

Of course, maintaining public health—one of those government services that Conservatives are ideologically opposed to—can get pretty difficult in a war zone, yes?  Read more