- potential increase of Malaria, diarrhoea cases anticipated due to heavy rains
Since the malaria season started in October 2024, Chobe district has recorded 15 cases as of last week Thursday (25th) as compared to the 11 cases recorded for same period in the previous season.
The total number of the cases recorded accumulates from the five which were recorded in Kwando, three in Kazungula and two in Pandamatenga. Mabele, Satau and Parakarungu villages have registered one case each while the other two were imported.
In an interview, Chobe District Health Management Team (DHMT) head of preventive service, Dr Clement Mukadi said that following heavy rainfall in Chobe district and possible flooding, they anticipate a potential increase in transmission of water borne diseases. This he said will be caused by the expansion in the number and range of vector habitats particularly malaria and diarrhoea.
In efforts to mitigate the spread of malaria, Dr Mukadi indicated that they have put some measures in place including the Indoor Residual Spraying. He indicated that spray operators are in the field currently spraying inside the houses to eliminate mosquito population in Pandamatenga, Satau and Kachikau. The campaign will thereafter continue in Parakarungu, Kavimba, Mabele and Lesoma.
Mukadi has since urged those staying in the unpayable structures or eligible areas to always sleep under mosquito-nets. He added that as the DHMT they also advise community to clean their environment and clear stagnant waters, empty unused water in the old tyres and other containers in the surrounding.
He also encouraged members of the public to use mosquito repellents and to cover extremities especially in the evening and night. Dr Mukadi has assured that all malaria drugs are available and the medical staff is mobilised to treat all confirmed malaria cases.
He pleaded with the community to open their houses for spraying as the exercise is a major intervention to protect the community from getting malaria that has critical complications. The doctor further requested the community to visit any nearly health facilities if they feel unwell because undiagnosed and untreated malaria is always fatal.
On the other hand, Dr Mukadi said though they anticipate diarrhoea outbreaks, the situation however is currently still under control. He noted that they are monitoring the situation closely through surveillance strategies.
Dr Mukadi has also advised the public to practice diarrhoea prevention measures that include drinking safe water, hand hygiene (washing hands before eating or feeding child, after toilet), cooking the food thoroughly, washing the fruit before eating as well as using proper sanitation.
