File photo of an overflowing sewer in Upanga. The current cholera outbreak has claimed six lives and further spread of the disease is imminent. Photo: Daniel Hayduk
A deadly outbreak of cholera is imminent, Health Minister Ummy Mwalimu has warned.
Poor hygiene practices combined with street food vendors are key factors in the spread of the disease in six regions, including Dar es Salaam, says Mwalimu.
“I am asking the regional health officials to make sure each household has at least one modern toilet. Some people have the tendency to pollute water sources, something that increases the spread of the disease,” says Mwalimu.
Morogoro is hardest hit by the current outbreak, which has killed six people and is believed to have infected over 450 others.
In Dar, eight cases have been reported.
Cholera is prevented by proper hand washing, using safe water and cooking food thoroughly.
Earlier this year, Tanzania faced the worst cholera outbreak in its history when 320 people were killed and 20,000 hospitalized.
