Cholera outbreak hits Zanzibar, kills at least 45

A Zanzibar health official says a cholera outbreak on the island archipelago has killed at least 45 people since March.

Muhammed Dahoma, the director of disease prevention and control at the health ministry, said Wednesday that 3,000 people have been hospitalized with cholera.

The government of Zanzibar has recently taken steps to stem the outbreak, including banning the sale of food and juices in open areas. The government has also established several camps in the islands of Unguja and Pemba where cholera patients are isolated.

Heavy rains continue to pound parts of Zanzibar, clogging sewer systems and exacerbating the cholera problem.

The threatens Zanzibar's lucrative tourism industry, especially if it extends into June when tourism season enters its peak.

© 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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