Monrovia Hit By Tb, Measles

Tuberculosis and measles have broken out among 16,000 Liberians who sought refuge in the U.S. Embassy residential compound in the Liberian capital.

Varsay Cooper, a physicians’ assistant working at the Red Crosssponsored clinic at the compound, said dozens of people had contracted the communicable diseases and clinic workers see at least four new cases a day.

“This is just an addition to the hundreds of diarrhea and malnutrition cases that we have been combating since early April,” Cooper said. He blamed the spread of TB and measles on the cramped quarters in the sprawling compound.

At least 20,000 Liberians fled to the U.S. compound when Liberia’s 6-year civil war spread to Monrovia in early April. Although West African peacekeepers have been deployed throughout the city and the fighting has subsided, about 16,000 Liberians whose homes were destroyed remain holed up at the compound.