Reports from Papua New Guinea say that three people died of cholera in the capital Port Moresby last week as health officials try and prevent a major epidemic.
The three men who died last week all lived in Port Moresby's coastal village communities, Hanuabada and Lealea.
Health and Government authorities in the National Capital District have called on the public to be on the lookout for cholera-like symptoms within their families and communities.
11 others have reportedly been diagnosed with the intestinal infection, which is mainly transmitted through contaminated water and food and is closely linked to poor sanitation.
NCD Governor Powes Parkop is encouraging city residents to observe and practise basic hygiene and has urged people with cholera-like symptoms to report to any health facility immediately.
The Governor says those infected with cholera and other suspected of being infected have been isolated
He said he would also liaise with education authorities to shut down schools within the affected areas for a couple of days until the situation had been contained.
