30 May 2022

Chobe District has registered increases in both  COVID-19 and Malaria cases.

The Chobe District Health Management Team head of preventive services Dr Clement Mukadi revealed in an interview that COVID-19 cases rose in the last two weeks while Malaria infections were higher this season, October-May, compared to the previous one.

Dr Mukadi said a total of 143 local COVID-19 cases were recorded as at May 29 with about 80 per cent of them in Kasane followed by Kazungula.

He said the cases cut across all ages explaining that patients were on home isolation as they were stable with mild symptoms.

Dr Mukadi noted that the increase in cases could be due to change in weather and the fact that the public seemed to have relaxed adherence to protocols.

He said only 51 per cent of the target population had  received COVID-19 booster shots noting that while some were not yet due, those who qualified lacked interest.

Dr Mukadi urged the community to visit health facilities as soon as they noticed any COVID-19 related symptoms to avoid transmission.

The public was also encouraged to continue with social distancing, proper usage of masks and sanitising.

Regarding Malaria, he said cases had increased to 56 in the current season compared to 47 registered in the previous one.

He said the district recorded the first Malaria death this season after about six years.

Dr Mukadi explained that out of the 56 cases, 16 were recorded in Kasane, 13 in Parakarungu, 12 in Kazungula and the rest shared by several villages.

Among preventative measures he mentioned the use of long lasting insecticides, treated mosquito nets and mosquito repellants, Indoor Residual Spraying of homes, wearing long-sleeved clothes and keeping the environment clean by cutting grass and discarding tins and tyres.

He encouraged people to seek medical attention promptly whenever they experienced headache, fever and dizziness. BOPA