1.
GV ZOOM City of Lisbon into harbour.
0.10

2.
GV Waterfront with people swimming in polluted waters.
0.22

3.
SV People walking in back streets of Lisbon (2 shots)
0.35

4.
SV PAN from hospital sign to hospital building.
0.45

5.
SV Sick assisted up steps in to hospital.
0.51

6.
GV's Deserted hotels (2 shots)
1.02



Initials AE/21.34 AE/21.42



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: An outbreak of cholera, which was first reported in April is now affecting most areas of Portugal. Since the start of the epidemic 368 cases have been counted, with eight deaths.

Although cholera was first reported in the southern tourist region of Algarve Portuguese Health Officials say that the epidemic is under control in this area and stressed that no touristshad so far contracted the disease.

The latest outbreak is believed to be a major cause of one of Portugal's worst tourist seasons for many years. A big hotel on the coast near Lisbon has only 150 guests compared with 650 at the same time last year.

SYNOPSIS: In Lisbon, capital city of Portugal, a cholera epidemic has been spreading since April. So far 368 cases have been counted, and despite sanitary instructions printed in daily newspapers people continue to swim in waters that could be harbouring the disease.

The latest outbreaks have been in poor and insanitary areas of Lisbon and in Portugal's second largest city, Oporto. So far eight people have died.

The cholera outbreak was first reported from the southern tourist region of the Algarve, but soon spread to the cities. Hospital workers are quoted as saying that "there are many more cases outside that should be inside".

Portugal is having its worst tourist season for many years, with hotels standing empty and receipts down by as much as fifty per cent.