THE cholera death-toll in Luapula Province has risen to three, Health Minister Emmanuel Kasonde has confirmed.
Both Dr Kasonde and Nchelenge District Commissioner Joseph Chisakula said in an interview yesterday two people had died from suspected Cholera which has broken out in Nchelenge and Mwense.
Dr Kasonde said the latest cholera deaths had been reported in Nchelenge and that stringent measures were being deployed to curb further deaths.
“Yes I can confirm that we have a total of three deaths from cholera in Luapula and health officials in the Province are doing everything to curb the situation from worsening,” Dr Kasonde said.
Separately, Mr Chisakula confirmed the District was putting in place counter measures to prevent a further spread of the disease.
Enock Kunda died on Tuesday in Mwense District’s Mambilima Mission Hospital where 36 patients had been admitted.
Mwense District Commissioner, Victor Kasuba said 35 patients had been moved from the mission hospital to Mulundu Basic School where a cholera center had been established.
Two other patients had been admitted to Chibondo Health Center. The first cases of cholera were reported on Sunday and samples had been taken to Mansa General Hospital, where results proved positive for the water-borne disease.
District health officials had since appealed to residents in Mwense and surrounding areas to limit their movements particularly avoiding the border areas with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The DRC’s Kasenga District also had confirmed cholera cases.
The Ministry of Health had already put in place various medical interventions including a steady supply of drugs.
The local authorities in conjunction with the govt must find lasting solutions to cholera problems. It does make sense to have the same problem occurring every year during the rain season. Sure we know what is wrong and can find solutions.
Exactly ! we spend alot of money every year on such embarrassing but deaths claiming diseases. What is the vision of the govt to combat such dreaded disease? dealing with such annual problems requires lasting solutions. so many graduates but who can not out think temporal problems to human needs.
I read this sad news of the happenings in my home land with broken heart, firstly my condolence to the families of those dear ones who died in this epidemic. My appeal is to all the people in my province to guard our borders and be able to ensure that those who travel between our two sister Nations are screened through the gazetted Screening points. Secondly please let us adhere to health standards during this time of the year. To Medical personnel please this is no time to relax, but to be extra vigilant. To political leaders, especially the District Commissioners, it’s this time that our people need more education on health issues, through loud speakers, leaflets and door to door. My soul mourns for our departed and my prayers to those who are under medication and observations.
Why didn’t have a single Cholera death in all the three years under RB? Please genuine answers only. This a matter of life and death. No politics!
From which Country are you from No3, check your records at the Ministry of of Healthy and you be shocked, to find that during Banda’s time we had more of problems than ever before.