Cholera in Malawi
13 Feb 2012
An outbreak of cholera has been reported in Nsanje and Chikhwawa districts located on the southern border with Mozambique. Government officials blame the outbreak on poor sanitation following rains and flooding in late January 2012. The flooding caused around 550 latrines to be washed away in Nsanje resulting in sewage from the latrines contaminating water sources.
Camps set up to provide shelter for those displaced by the flooding are reported to be congested and living conditions insanitary.
Advice for Travellers
Travellers to outbreak areas who will be mixing closely with the local population and cannot ensure safe drinking water can be immunised against cholera. A high standard of food, water and personal hygiene should also be maintained.