RUSIZI : Residents of Rusizi District who cross to Burundi have been warned against shaking hands and buying fruits and ,cooked food, following an outbreak of cholera, in Burundi, last week.

Authorities said that sensitisation meetings were held to warn residents of the dangers of the disease.

"We took time to create awareness about the epidemic and its causes,” said Rusizi Mayor, Oscar Nzeyimana.

They were also cautioned to wash hands before and after taking meals as well as abstain from cold foods.

According to Egide Gatera, Executive Secretary for Bugarama, a border sector, the awareness had registered success.

"Up to now, we have not registered a single case of cholera infection. We shall not stop the sensitisation (drive) unless the epidemic is checked in Burundi,” said Gatera.

Media reports in Burundi indicated that since cholera broke out, 400 people had been diagnosed wih the disease, with seven dead.

Latest reports indicate the affected areas to include, Cyibitoke, Mabayi and Rugombo, and areas near Bugarama Sector in the Western Province of Rwanda.

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