Water wells, food vendors under scrutiny as cholera cases climb to 22 in Mbeya City in Tanzania
What you need to know:
- Residents have been urged residents to cooperate during the operation, maintain proper hygiene, boil drinking water, and consume freshly cooked meals, especially given the ongoing rainy season
Mbeya. Authorities in Mbeya City are intensifying efforts to curb the spread of cholera, with confirmed cases now reaching 22.
Measures taken include closing contaminated water wells, inspecting informal food vendors and shutting down unregulated alcohol establishments.
Despite the rise in cases, no fatalities have been reported and all patients are being treated in designated facilities.
The Chief Medical Officer of Mbeya City Council, Dr Yesaya Mwasubila, confirmed the increase in cases from 17 three days ago to 22 as of early Wednesday.
Dr Mwasubila said that a special operation has been launched to inspect water wells, marketplaces and commuter vehicles, including bodabodas.
He added that unclean environments, including unregulated food vending stalls and local bars, will face closures.
"We have instructed bodaboda operators to take precautions, especially when transporting passengers who may show symptoms," he said.
Of the seven wells inspected so far, three were found contaminated with cholera bacteria.
The council has also begun evaluating 286 additional wells for safety.
"Starting tomorrow, we will begin verifying permits and testing the water quality of these wells," Dr Mwasubila noted.
He said they have urged residents to cooperate during the operation, maintain proper hygiene, boil drinking water, and consume freshly cooked meals, especially given the ongoing rainy season.
The council has also increased efforts to collect waste promptly and monitor the health of identified patients.
In Kyela District, the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Saumu Kundisaga, confirmed no cases of cholera but emphasised ongoing health checks in various locations.
“Even before these warning signs, we have been conducting routine health surveillance, especially at the Kasumulu border,” Dr Kundisaga said, adding that hand sanitisers have been placed at border entry points to prevent disease outbreaks.
Huruma Denis, a resident of Ruanda Ward, applauded the initiative to close contaminated wells but warned that water shortages might hinder these efforts.
“For instance, we've gone four days without water here. The government needs to address how this impacts daily life, especially during a cholera outbreak,” he said.
Another resident, Tedius Joseph, called for improved infrastructure, particularly water systems, to prevent such outbreaks.
“Cholera results from poor sanitation. Access to clean water can significantly reduce these challenges,” he remarked.
