Cholera hits Eastern Province
CHOLERA outbreak has reached Eastern province as 13 people with one death associated with cholera have been recorded so far, Eastern province permanent secretary (PS) Chanda Kasolo has confirmed.
In a statement yesterday, Mr Kasolo confirmed that the cholera outbreak was recorded in the province.
He said Eastern Province declared cholera outbreak in Chipata on January 6, after having confirmed two cases in Lundazi district and another two cases in Sinda district with severe vomiting and diarrhea.
“The office of the President, Provincial Administration and Eastern Province declared cholera outbreak in Chipata on 6th January, 2018 after confirming two cases in Lundazi district and another two cases in Sinda district with severe vomiting and diarrhea.
“And thirteen cases with one death associated with cholera have been reported so far,” he said.
And Mr Kasolo said to contain the epidemic in the province, all markets (legal or illegal) maybe closed after inspection if they do not meet the set standards.
Mr Kasolo added that street vending was banned in the Province until further notice to allow for cleaning, garbage collection and unblocking of drainages.
“No large public gathering of more than five people (except family) including church programmes, weddings, music concert, bars or such occasion shall take place in Eastern Province unless cleared by the Ministry of Health or Local Authority.
“The District Epidemic Preparedness Committee shall be meeting every day at 07:30 hours in readiness to update the Provincial Epidemic Preparedness Committee. Provincial Epidemic Preparedness Committee shall be meeting at 09:00 hours until further notice,” he said.
He also directed the ministry of Health and Local authorities to station environmental health technicians at all main bus stops to educate and screen members of the public for diarrhea and vomiting
The PS further appealed to members of the public to participate in the clean-up and maintenance exercise.
He urged members of the public to avoid and stop buying raw and ready to eat foods from the streets and markets in the affected areas.
“Wash hands at critical times, before handling food, before eating, after using the toilet, after changing baby nappies and always boil your drinking water or treat with chlorine,” Mr Chanda tells members of the public.