Cholera Outbreak Continues in Malawi Despite Government Vaccination Drive
Category: Health and Medical
Severity: 3 (Moderate)
Source: Drum Cussac
02/19/2018 (Malawi) - According to a statement by the Ministry of Health on Monday, 19 February, recorded Cholera cases in Malawi have tripled and four more people have died, following the spread of the disease from Zambia. A total of 527 cases have now been recorded nationwide in 2018. These are particularly concentrated in the Central and Northern Malawi districts. Last week the Ministry launched a cholera vaccine drive and over 600,000 people are thought to have now received oral treatment in Nsanje, Chikwawa, Phalombe, Zomba, Machinga and Salima. However, further spread is likely due to poor sanitation provision and hygiene practices.
Cholera is a potentially fatal bacterial infection caused by consuming contaminated food or water. Those infected will usually experience severe diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps. Those in Malawi should monitor local media sources for further updates on the outbreak and heed any directives issued by local authorities. Travellers are advised to practice good food hygiene such as drinking only bottled, boiled or chemically-treated water, eating food that has been thoroughly cooked, avoiding raw vegetables and fruits without a peel and washing hands frequently and thoroughly. Travellers should immediately consult a physician upon presentation of any of the above symptoms.
Copyright © 2024 Drum Cussac
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