World

Polio outbreak kills 200 in Congo republic

06:09 am on 12 December 2010

UNICEF says a polio outbreak in the Republic of the Congo has now killed 200 people.

The United Nations children's agency says the country is experiencing an unusually virulent outbreak of the disease, which began in October.

The agency says it's spreading extremely fast and is predominantly affecting young men.

Polio normally strikes young children, causing paralysis or death if untreated.

A nationwide vaccination programme is under way.