Ministry Of Health Press Release - Cholera Outbreak Alert

source: Republic of Botswana (26/11/08): TAUTONA TIMES no 39 of 2008
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President "Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"


C6) 25/11/08: Ministry Of Health Press Release - Cholera Outbreak Alert

The public is notified that there is an ongoing Cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe, Democratic Republic of Congo and other countries in the SADC region.

On the 19th of November 2008, two travelers from Zimbabwe presented to Sekgoma Memorial Hospital in Serowe with acute diarrhea and were treated as suspected cholera cases. On the 24th November the results from the Botswana National Health Laboratory confirmed diagnosis of cholera in one of the cases. The District Health Team followed up contacts of these two cases in Serowe. They have so far not found any cases indicative of Cholera.

All Public Health Facilities are on high alert to provide all the necessary health services for the management of any cases of Cholera.

The Ministry of Health continues to monitor the situation and will update the public as necessary. In the meantime the public is advised
to:-

a) Promptly report to the nearest health facility symptoms of acute diarrhoea and vomiting;
b) Strictly observe personal hygiene measures such as washing of hands after visiting the toilet, before handling food and ensure thorough cooking of food;
c) Properly dispose human excreta;
d) Drink safe, treated/boiled water;
e) Take precaution whenever visiting affected countries.

For further information on Cholera prevention please visit the nearest health facility or contact the Department of Public Health at 3632069/71562255 or 0800 600 740.