The people of Zanzibar have been warned to be on full alert in the wake of reports that, from March this year, at least 23 people have been infected with cholera, the Daily News reports.
The Acting Minister for Health, Ms Riziki Pembe Juma, urged the people to take precautions, saying hostile weather has made matters worse.
“The ongoing heavy rains have compromised hygienic standards, as a result of which the incidence of severe diarrhea and vomiting has risen amongst the people,” the report quotes her say
As a precautionary measure the government has suspended the sale of foodstuffs and refreshments like juice in open spaces.
It has also urged the people to ensure that they break the fast–a fundamental feature of the Holy month of Ramadan– in a hygienically very clean environment.
Only a few restaurants and kiosks have been given special permits to operate, after being certified to be hygienically safe, and therefore not posing health threats to customers
The Health official called on every person to take part in the fight against cholera by keeping their environment clean and safe.
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
Cholera remains a global threat to public health and an indicator of inequity and lack of social development.
Researchers have estimated that every year, there are roughly 1.3 to 4.0 million cases, and 21 000 to 143 000 deaths worldwide due to cholera
