Cholera sparks fear in central Tanzania during festive season

At least seven people have died of cholera in central Tanzania's region of Dodoma due to a cholera outbreak, authorities said Sunday.

Authorities in the region have, therefore, on Sunday banned selling of food stuff by the roadsides and other open places during the festive season, citing a possible escalation of the epidemic.

James Kiologwe, Dodoma Regional chief physician warned residents, saying that at least 329 people contracted the disease in the latest outbreak. He warned that if no strict measures were taken the entire region would be affected.

"I urge the public to be more careful during the festive season, avoid eating carelessly on the streets and maintain hygiene since the disease is likely to spread further if we don't comply with health standards," the official said.

He cited Mpwapwa as leading other districts in the Dodoma Region with 208 cholera cases, followed by Kongwa (95), Chamwino (18) and Dodoma (8). The district also led in deaths with three cases as both Kongwa and Dodoma districts witnessed two deaths each.

Following the new outbreak of the disease, Christine Mndeme, Dodoma District Commissioner said she had initiated a campaign against the disease aimed at eradicating it in the district.

She called on ward and village health officers to spread awareness and education on the disease, urging them to quickly report any cases realized within their areas of jurisdiction.

In October last year, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare notified the World Health Organization of new cholera outbreaks in 13 regions in the country, during which 68 people died. Endit