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One case of cholera registered in Dedza

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Malawi
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Govt. Malawi
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Written by Sellah Singini

Dedza, February 15, 2018: Dedza District Environmental Health Office says has registered one confirmed case of cholera, the district’s health officials have confirmed.

Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency, District Environmental Health Officer (DEHO), Sydney Paul, said a cholera suspect was reported to Dedza District Health Office on 10th February, 2018 and was admitted at Mua Mission Hospital.

Paul said the patient complained of diarrhoea, she was vomiting and was diagnosed with Cholera on 14th February (Wednesday) after her specimen was taken to Lilongwe.

“Through investigations, it was discovered that there is no borehole in the area where the victim lives so households get their water from the nearby stream. The victim's home had a pit latrine, but without hand washing facility and hole cover,” the DEHO said.

“The household received one per cent stock solution of chlorine for water treatment two weeks ago and we have done pot to pot chlorination, sensitised people on hygiene and sanitation in the area,” he added.

Paul said meanwhile, the patient has been discharged from the hospital. She comes from Mdyerangoma Village in the area of Traditional Authority Kachindamoto.

He however said there is also another suspect from Mtakataka catchment area who is admitted at Lifeline Clinic in Salima. The sample from the patient has been taken to Lilongwe waiting for confirmation of laboratory results.

The Health Environmentalist therefore appealed to all stakeholders to help with resources for visits, supervision and provision of chlorine, ORS, water buckets with taps and tents to be mounted in the hot spots.

According to Paul, as of 12th February, 2018 the country had recorded 459 cases with six deaths.