Cholera Storms Northern Malawi

By Thula Chisamba

Official documents indicate that about seven people have died in Karonga while another 140 have been diagnosed with the infection.

Karonga district hospital public relations officer, Herod Mtambo, says the most affected areas includes Mwakawoko, Mwelang’ombe, Kilipura and Kyungu.

On the other hand, in other districts like Mzimba, Nkhatabay and Chitipa, related cases have also been reported.

Environmental health expert, Lewis Tukula, has warned that the situation may worsen owing to persistent rains that have resulted into floods.

“During this time of floods, Cholera cases are likely to increase because most people don’t have access to good hygiene,” he said.

In Mzuzu city, the floods have swept away thousands of toilets, a situation which may likely expose residents to Cholera according to experts.

However, in response to the alarm, government through  the ministry of health, has already begun distributing chlorine to flood victims as one way of reducing the spread of the infection.