Somalia cholera death fears grow

It says there could be a "humanitarian crisis" as people flee fighting between Ethiopian-backed troops and Islamist insurgents in the capital Mogadishu.

MSF has called on those fighting to respect the work of aid agencies.

Just over 1,200 patients have reached the cholera treatment centre - but MSF say this is the "tip of the iceberg".

Cholera is an intestinal infection caused by a bacteria - and is often linked to contaminated supplies of drinking water.

It causes severe diarrhoea and vomiting, and patients - particularly children and the elderly - are vulnerable to dangerous dehydration as a result.

Cholera proves fatal in about 1.5% of cases.

'Deaths increasing'

James Bakti, MSF's assistant medical co-ordinator, warned that the fighting is making things difficult for those seeking and giving treatments.

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