"This is an unscientifically proven statement that could further endanger the lives of people who may decide to skip or reduce desperately needed food in a misguided attempt to protect themselves from this outbreak. Spreading false information that food is the source of cholera contamination will only put more lives at risk," said a press statement issued by WFP and WHO on Tuesday.
Cholera can only be transmitted through contaminated water or lack of adequate hygiene practices. Rations like rice, lentils or oil cannot be the source of a cholera outbreak. Sources of infection can only come through handling the food with contaminated hands and water (particularly washing plates with contaminated water etc.), the statement further reads.
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