Papua New Guinea's prolonged cholera outbreak has taken toll on three in the capital Port Moresby, consequently raising fears that it could spark a major outbreak. The deceased lived in Hanuabada and Lealea, which are Port Moresby's coastal village communities.

About 11 people have been diagnosed with the intestinal infection, according to PNG's Post Courier newspaper. This kind of infection is mainly transmitted through contaminated water and food and an inadequate environmental management is responsible for that.

AAP obtained a PNG health department circular, which confirmed that cholera is present in Port Moresby.

It said, “We have confirmed the diagnosis by laboratory support from Central Public Health Lab for a couple of the cases. This disease has the potential to cause a major epidemic in the city and its peripheries if appropriate control and preventive measures are not seriously taken into consideration”.

Poor planning and lack of Government agency coordination has fuelled continued cholera outbreaks. The PNG Government is being helped by NGOs, church groups and aid agencies to tackle the nationwide problem. Though, this is PNG's first cholera outbreak since the one which occurred in 1960s.