Lubango - At least 55, 598 cases of acute respiratory diseases which claimed 208 lives were reported in 2009 in southern Huila province, Angop has learnt.

This was disclosed Monday by the official of the local Public Health and Control of Endemic Services, Judite Rocheta.

According to her, the said cases were mainly registered in Lubango city with 25,061, Matala (4, 206), Quilengues (4,054), Chibia (2.990) and Caluquembe (2.884).

In 2008, the Public Health Department learned of 51,700 cases of acute respiratory diseases that resulted in the death of 186 children.