Botswana: The Ministry of Health informs members of the public that the suspected Cholera case that was reported in the Greater Francistown DHMT area came out negative.
The case concerns a 65-year-old woman who presented with diarrhea and vomiting to the clinic. The patient has no history of travel outside the country but had contact with an individual with a history of travel from a cholera endemic country.
In the beginning, Rapid Diagnostic Tests conducted on samples from the patient had come out positive. The samples were then taken to the National Health Laboratory, which is the country reference laboratory, for confirmatory tests, as is the procedure.
Fortunately, the confirmatory test results came out negative. In the meantime, the patient, who has been under constant observation, is stable.
As recently communicated, in 2023 alone, Cholera was detected in more than ten countries in the African continent, including in neighbouring countries like South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the bacteria that causes the disease. It is spread mainly by drinking contaminated water and eating contaminated food.
It can also be spread by having contact with the faeces and vomit of an infected person. Symptoms include severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, leg cramps and feeling weak in the whole body. It spreads quickly and can lead to death.
The Ministry of Health, therefore, advises members of the public to remain vigilant, practice good hygiene such as frequent hand washing and keep their environment clean. People are also advised to cook food thoroughly and drink clean water all the time.
They are also advised to immediately seek medical attention if they get sick or experience any symptoms.
The Ministry of Health is monitoring the situation and implementing control measures. Furthermore, the ministry advises all those travelling to affected countries to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves.