The World Health Organization (WHO) reported. A waterborne bacterial disease, cholera causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. The WHO says the outbreak is being propelled by inadequate sanitation systems and insufficient supplies of clean water; a shortage of health care workers has also contributed to the spread. A WHO delegation has traveled to Zimbabwe's capital of Harare to lead a containment effort. Cases have also been reported in South Africa and Botswana.

Figure. A man suffering from cholera is taken in a cart to a nearby clinic in the high density suburb of Budiriro, Harare, Zimbabwe, on November 20, 2008. A lack of clean water and poorly maintained sewage systems have caused the waterborne disease to thrive. Photo credit: Associated Press.