Cholera outbreak hits Malawi

One person has died while over 20 others are receiving treatment after cholera hit some districts in the country, the Ministry of Health has confirmed.

According to reports, the outbreak has highly spread in Zomba and Machinga districts.

Before Christmas, close to 20 cases were in the hands of the health officials with 20 in Machinga and 7 in Zomba, both seeing one person only dead.

A statement from the Ministry as issued by Secretary for Health, Dr McPhil Magwira, all the reported cholera cases are from Lake Chilwa area.

He said they are doing everything possible to control the cholera outbreak and claimed health workers in all the health facilities are ready to help and treat any member of the community.

“We call upon every person that they should go to the nearest hospital or health facility early if they get sick or develop diarrhoea.’’

“Medical supplies for cholera treatment are available in all health facilities. Chlorine for water treatment is also being distributed in the communities by Health Surveillance Assistants,” reads the statement.

Magwira also called on the general public to practice what he called personal hygiene measures at all times.

The Ministry of Health has since drilled Malawians on preventive measures of the outbreak.

Cholera can be prevented by proper use of latrines; washing hands with soap after visiting the toilet, before handling food, before eating food and after changing babies nappies; drinking or using safe treated water (or boiled water) all the time and practising food hygiene. He further reminded public to always wash fruits such as mangos before eating them.

Rainy seasons in Malawi are usually clumped by cholera which is usually tilted to uncleaniess that accompanies the rain patterns.