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At
least 16 people die of Cholera since December
By Zanele Dlamini MBABANE - At least 16 people have died of cholera in the country since the outbreak in December last year, while 96 survived, the Director of Health Cesphinah Mabuza said. The most affected areas include those around the Manzini region like Ngongodla, which is based in Mankayane. Recently five people died and the quick intervention by the health workers in the region has saved a number of lives that were in danger. “The health workers have been very committed in fighting the disease and their prompt action has saved a number of lives. We have provided people with jelly cans and jik for the household treatment of drinking water and the health education talks we gave were well received. I would like to congratulate the public for the cooperation they have shown and this is indicated in the graphs as the numbers are going down,” she said. Mabuza said the Manzini task team has been supplying water and assessing the environment since December last year. According to the report the deadly disease has affected over 30 places and these include Luve, Masundwvini, Lobamba, Lozitha, Ngwane Park, Mafutseni, Lwandle and Empini. According to the statistics, five people died at Ngongodla, four at Gundwvini, four in Lwandle, one at Emphini and two at Luve. Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholera. It has a short incubation period, from less than one day to five days, and produces an enterotoxin that causes a copious, painless, watery diarrhoea that can quickly lead to severe dehydration and death if treatment is not promptly given. Vomiting also occurs in most patients. Cholera is spread by contaminated water and food. When Cholera appears in a community it is essential to ensure three things:
Source: Times of Swaziland 6 February 2004 |
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