The number of deaths from cholera in the central Mozambican rural district of Guru has risen to 53, the daily Noticias reported on Wednesday, quoting officials in the district.
Deolinda Bengula, district administrator for Guru, told the paper that the figure had increased from 50 last week to 53 by Tuesday out of the 180 diagnosed cases.
She said the figure had increased after infected members of a church sect — who were from the same family — refused medical attention, saying it was against their religious teaching.
Last week, health authorities isolated the district after the cholera deaths.
Several people in refugee camps are now receiving treatment, according to Noticias.
The paper also reported that 83 people from high populated area of Filipe Samuel Magaia and Muthemba in the north-western town of Tete had been admitted to a treatment centre after one person died of cholera this week.
LuÃsa Cumba, provincial health director in Tete town was quoted by the paper as saying those infected were hawkers and residents of an informal settlement in the town.
Cholera is endemic in Mozambique and occurs even in the capital, Maputo, due to poor sanitation — especially during the rainy season, which began last month. — Sapa