Cholera hits hard lakeshore districts

The cholera outbreak continues to cause havoc in the country with latest statistics showing more districts along the lakeshore registering increased cases, making its presence in 27 of the country’s 28 districts.

A Ministry of Health update shows that while the outbreak has been controlled in five districts, namely Nsanje, Dedza, Chiradzulu, Nsanje and Zomba in the last 14 days, the outbreak has been spreading rapidly in lakeshore districts which happen to have started registering cases few months back. Mchinji is the only district free of cholera.

According to the report, Nkhata Bay, which started registering cases mid August, is now the epicentre with 1 128 cases and 31 deaths followed by Nkhotakota with 811 cases and 40 deaths. Karonga has registered 583 cases and 14 deaths and Salima 376 cases and four deaths.

Reads the report: “As of October 31 2022, a total of 116 new cases, three new deaths were reported out of which 34 cases are from Salima, 32 from Mangochi, 17 from Karonga, 11 each from Nkhata Bay and Nkhotakota, four from Machinga, three each from Thyolo and Rumphi, and one case from Blantyre. The new deaths are one each from Nkhata Bay, Mangochi and Salima.”

Cumulatively, confirmed cases and deaths reported since the onset of the outbreak are 6 056 and 183, respectively, with a case fatality rate at 3.0 percent.

“Most of the deaths occurred while in the communities or at health facilities after presenting at the facilities late for treatment. The major factors associated with the cholera outbreak in the communities are poor food hygiene, lack of safe water and low latrine coverage and usage [open defaecation],” said Minister of Health Khumbize Chiponda in the statement.

Meanwhile, Malawi University of Science and Technology microbiologist Gama Bandawe, who predicted a rise in the cases during the rainy season, has called on authorities to ensure access to safe and clean water in lakeshore areas as people in these areas have no other means except the lake.

“In these areas, people rely heavily on the lake and when contaminated, it spreads very fast. Authorities need to intensify water, sanitation and hygiene services, track down the contaminated water sources and treat them,” he said.

On those travelling to the lake, Bandawe urged the visitors to be more cautious and only drink from safe water sources, be careful of the food they eat and avoid eating raw vegetables and fruits. 

“Authorities should also intensify vaccination campaigns, especially in communities that are exposed to the cholera outbreak,” he said.

Cholera cases have been on the rise since the confirmation of the first case in March this year in Machinga District.