Algerian authorities have determined the source of a cholera epidemic that erupted in mid-August, according to the country’s Health Ministry.
“The epidemic originated in Blida province south of Algiers,” the ministry said in a statement released Wednesday night.
It went on to assert that “all necessary precautions” had been taken to prevent the further spread of the potentially deadly disease.
Since the authorities identified the first cholera case in mid-August, there have been conflicting reports regarding its origin.
While Algeria’s state-run Institut Pasteur had earlier attributed the epidemic to tainted drinking water, the authorities later denied this assertion.
A potentially fatal infectious disease, cholera has not been seen in Algeria for more than two decades.
Since it first reappeared last month, at least two people have succumbed the illness while dozens of suspected cases have been reported.
On Wednesday, however, the Health Ministry announced a “significant decrease” in the number of suspected cases reported in recent days.
According to the ministry, only six suspected cases still remain under observation in hospital.
