Botswana Rings Alarm Bells After New Cholera Infections

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In Zimbabwe, MSF Responding to Cholera Outbreak

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The city of Francistown in Botswana is on high alert after two more people were diagnosed with cholera. This brings the number of infections to four. All cases are a spillover from the cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe, which has claimed close to 800 lives so far.

In response to the cholera infections, the authorities of Francistown have asked food outlets to take precautionary measures to prevent the disease from spreading.

Super markets and others who sell food as well as the ordinary consumer, have been advised to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption. The sale of salads has been stopped  and produce that is prone to be touched pre-packed.

To make the public more aware of the dangers posed by cholera, a house to house campaign is in the pipe line. In addition, water samples from households and public stand-pipes will be taken for analysis.

Meanwhile in neighbouring Zimbabwe, hundreds of people have died and many thousands of Zimbabweans have been infected with the disease that can  kill a healthy person within 24 hours.

According to statistics by the World Organization the disease has the potential to spread to 60,000 as a result of the collapse of Zimbabwe's health care system. Other countries such as Zambia, South Africa, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have also been hit by the outbreak.

To help those affected and infected, Direct Relief International has committed additional emergency aid worth $1,3 million to help treat the waterborne disease in 10,000 patients.

The aid comprises of medicines and supplies including the antibiotic doxycycline; CeraLyte oral rehydration solution (ORS), and water purification tablets to treat 50,000 liters of water and 60 wells.