Health ministry on cholera high alert
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Thursday January 18, 2018 17:00
Botswana’s response is motivated by the neighbouring country’s seemingly struggle to contain a cholera outbreak that has killed more than 70 people across Zambia since October 2017. Around the same time, cases of cholera started being reported in Malawi and Tanzania, striking fear in the southern Africa region.
According to the ministry’s public health surveillance and emergency management and public health specialist, Dr Nesredin Jami Oumer, they are monitoring all public health threat hazards and risks globally, regionally and locally.
“We are aware of the occurrences and progress of cholera epidemic and the responses of the governments and partners in Zambia. Recently, since January 2017, cholera outbreaks have been reported in East and Central African Countries including Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Angola. The ministry is on high alert and closely monitoring the situation. Travellers to affected countries are advised to take necessary precautions. Staff at points of entry to Botswana are monitoring movement of people and goods,” he said.
He told Mmegi that all DHMT and public health facilities are on high alert and were ready to identify suspected cases and manage any possible cases through the Rapid Response Teams (RRT’s). Dr Oumer added that health educators continued raising awareness about the nature of the disease and protective health measures to prevent cholera. He added that their port health officers at points of entry were monitoring any travellers for any signs and symptoms of cholera.
“Cholera epidemics usually occur in countries, territories and settlements with challenges of portable water supply, waste management, sewage system and personal hygiene. It is important for the public to keep their environment clean and to emphasise on hygiene. Some of the signs and symptoms of cholera are rapid heart rate, loss of skin elasticity (the ability to return to original position quickly if pinched), dry mucous membranes, including the inside of the mouth, throat, nose, and eyelids low blood pressure, thirst and muscle cramps,” he said.
He further advised people visiting cholera-affected areas to ensure they drink and use safe water. Also, If sourcing water from untrusted sources, they should boil it for at least one minute; always store water in a clean, covered container; wash hands with soap and clean water before and after eating; as well as after using the toilet and use latrines or bury faeces.
People are also advised to handle and prepare food safely by cooking food thoroughly and eat it while they are hot, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with clean water before using them and by separating raw from cooked food and keep them at safe temperature.
On October 6, 2017 the Minister of Health in Zambia declared an outbreak of cholera in the country’s capital, Lusaka. Since, more than 70 people have died in that country with over 3,000 cases reported. According to the World Health Organization, the case fatality rate for cholera should be less than one percent. But the case fatality rate of this outbreak currently stands at 2.3%, similar to the case fatality rate of the Spanish Flu of 1918, which affected nearly 500 million people worldwide.
Treatment is often through oral rehydration and antibiotics, while ready access to safe water and sanitation facilities is critical to stop cholera’s spread. It is estimated that between 1.3 and 4 million cholera cases occur every year worldwide.
In neighbouring Malawi and Tanzania, the media has reported cases of malaria and the respective governments are putting in pleasures to protect their citizens. However, Namibia has banned the import of food from the cholera-hit Zambia whilst other neighbouring countries are on high alert of the situation.