08 Jun 2023

Botswana has so far not recorded any Cholera cases following reports of Cholera outbreaks in neighbouring countries of South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.

“The ministry is on high alert and continues to monitor developments in the region and globally,” says the press release from the Ministry of Health.

The ministry, therefore, advises all Batswana and residents travelling to affected countries, to take necessary hygiene precautions and present to their health facilities if experiencing any symptoms.

As a precautionary measure, members of the public are also advised to avoid contact with infected persons, boil water for at least one minute for safe drinking and ensure that food is thoroughly cooked, it states.

The release says Cholera is spread mainly by having contact with an infected person or consuming contaminated water and food. It can also be spread through contact with faeces and vomit of an infected person. Common symptoms include severe diarrhoea, vomiting, leg cramps and feeling weak in the whole body.

Members of the public are also advised to adopt good hygiene practices like washing hands after visiting the toilet, before food preparation and practising good sanitation, as well as keeping their environment clean all the time, avoiding overcrowded places where possible and promptly seek medical care at the nearest health facility if they fall sick. ENDS