Cholera toll rises in Mozambique
The cholera death toll in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, since Christmas has risen to 20, health authorities said on Thursday.
Deputy national health director Avertino Barreto said about 250 people were being treated daily for the waterborne disease at the Mavalane hospital in the east coast port city.
“We have had major flows of people suffering from cholera after the recent rains in the city,” Barreto said, adding that a total of 3 692 cases had been reported in the capital since Christmas.
He warned that the entire country could be contaminated as a result of movements of people from or to the areas affected by the disease.
Health authorities have blamed the sharp increase of cholera cases on rains in Maputo last week that flooded homes in the city’s poorly maintained suburbs.
Construction workers have been working round the clock to erect more tents for cholera patients.
“We fear more cases as a result of the rains,” said Olivia Ferreira, Maputo City health director.
“As for staff, we have asked for reinforcements from Gaza province. They have already sent us at least five nurses and more will arrive within days to help cope with the situation,” she added.
Maputo mayor Artur Canana has announced a series of measures aimed at reducing the spread of cholera.
He has banned the cooking, sale and consumption of food on the capital’s streets.
Outbreaks have been reported in other parts of the country as well. Currently, Maputo is the worst hit followed by the central city of Beira. The southern provinces of Gaza and Inhambane have also reported cases.—Sapa-AFP
