MAPUTO, Jan. 6 (Xinhuanet) --An outbreak of cholera that began in Maputo, capital of Mozambique, last week has caused the death of six people, local media reported Tuesday.

    Currently 188 people are undergoing medical care at the cholera treatment center in the Mavalane General Hospital in Maputo. On Monday 73 people had to be hospitalized in the treatment center because their situation was serious.

    Antonio Rodrigues, head of the community health department in Maputo City Council, told press on Tuesday that the number of patients in the center is actually dropping -- from 260 on Sunday to 214 on Monday and 188 now.

    Rodrigues thought the outbreak was related to carelessness during the festive season. People had perhaps omitted to follow hygiene rules while preparing food over the New Year holiday.

    The Maputo City Health Directorate claims that the situation isunder control, and there is no reason for alarm, saying, "There isno shortage of medicines, we are taking the necessary measures so that the situation does not deteriorate any further." Enditem