Mazabuka records 55 suspected typhoid cases

Southern Province has recorded over 55 suspected cases of typhoid disease in Mazabuka district.

Southern Province Permanent Secretary Sibanze Simuchoba said the outbreak of the disease in the district calls for concerted efforts from various stakeholders, in order to avoid further spread to other neighbouring districts.

Mr Simuchoba has also called for more sensitisation to the general public on the safety and safe measures needed to curb the vice.

He revealed that Monze district has recorded two suspected cases, while Mazabuka is leading with 55 suspected thyroid cases.

And speaking during the Provincial Epidemic Preparedness (PEP) quarterly review meeting in Mazabuka today, Mr Simuchoba disclosed that Monze district has since recorded one death.

The Permanent Secretary who is also the Chairperson of the PEP committee, called on the people of Southern Province to maintain high levels of hygiene and prevent outbreaks of diseases.

He said government will continue enforcing the statutory instrument No 100 of 2011 which compels residents and various institutions to take responsibility of the waste they produce.

Mr Simuchoba added that everyone should take the responsibility of cleaning the environment and not just leave it to the local councils alone.

And speaking earlier, Mazabuka District Health Director Steven Shajanika said from the 55 suspected typhoid cases, 9 have so far been confirmed.

Dr Shajanika said the district has since embarked on sensitizing the public on the possible ways of preventing the outbreak of diseases related to poor sanitation.

Meanwhile Southern Province Health Director Jelita Chiyonga said the authority in the region remains committed towards controlling the outbreak of communicable diseases such as cholera and typhoid.

Dr Chiyonga has however appealed to the general public to remain alert and report any suspected cases of cholera and typhoid to the nearest health centre.

She said with the onset of the rains, disease trends are likely to increase if the public does not maintain good hygiene practices.