Malawi: Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda has announced that her ministry is currently investigating the cases of a new unknown disease being observed in Neno District. She said that they are looking into finding the causative agents of gastroenteritis disease that has emerged
The Minister toured Neno District Hospital to appreciate challenges being faced as a result of the disease. Chiponda said there was need to establish what is causing the disease which present signs of vomiting and diarrhea.
“There are so many infections caused by viruses or bacteria which also present the same symptoms that the patients are presenting therefore we have to be very thorough to really identify what exactly is casing this infection or disease,” Chiponda said.
The minister said almost 60-75 percent of people infected by the infection are children below the age of two years. This is a major cause of concern for the people of the island.
She said the ministry has involved the Public Institute of Malawi (PHIM) to do more investigations. She said that at the moment they are treating the disease like any other gastroenteritis.
The Minister further noted that the ministry has done preliminary findings. Further, they are looking at a bigger picture to see which communities were affected apart from looking at environmental and water and sanitation issues.
“You are aware that we are coming from the cholera outbreak and it also presented almost similar conditions of vomiting and diarrhea.” she added.
The minister hailed Neno District Health Office (DHO) team for swiftly responding to the infection saying 98 percent of those admitted at the facility have so far been discharged.
Director of Health Services in Neno, Enoch Ndarama said the DHO reported increased suspects of gastroenteritis disease from July 16, 2024.
He said the index case was from Mpakati Village and more cases have been registered from Donda, Samson, Kweneza, Wilison, Galeta, Sekani, Mpakathi, George, Chifenthe, Chimchembere, Chagwaudyo, and Chimbalanga villages from Traditional Authorities Chekucheku and Dambe.
He said the DHO has so far registered 32 admissions with 2 deaths adding that the case s are sporadic.
“The affected children have exhibited symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, loose stools and headache,” Ndarama said.
