Petronella Sibeene
25 March 2008
Windhoek — The number of confirmed cholera cases in the Ohangwena Region had risen from eight to 13 by yesterday morning.
Oshana Regional Health Director, Dr Naftali Hamata, told New Era yesterday that suspected cholera cases continue to rise. By yesterday, there were 533 suspected cases, 13 confirmed, 14 cases were being treated in hospital and healthcare tents while deaths remained at three.
More suspected cholera cases are being reported in flooded areas in the north, with health officials blaming the rise on contaminated water.
The last two weeks saw a shortage in water purification tablets supplies at most health centres. However, Hamata yesterday said all health centres and hospitals are fully equipped with water purification chemicals but distribution to those in need remains a challenge.
Today, health officials are expected to distribute water purification tablets and sachets to learners at different schools in the region.
"We intend to distribute as much as we can especially to homes that do not have access to piped water," said Hamata.
Mobile teams, using the Namibia Defence Force helicopters for transportation, are also expected to distribute the chemicals to those surrounded by water and are unable to access health facilities.
The health official reiterated that those who can access health centres should collect water purification chemicals to avoid contracting waterborne diseases.
Meanwhile, the diarrhoea and malaria situation in the Omusati and Oshana regions is still under control, Hamata said.
He added that flooding continues in most parts as rains continue to fall in the affected regions.
Hydrologist, Guido van Langenhove, in yesterday's daily report said in the Cuvelai oshanas, the satellite images showed that heavy rains were received in both Angola and Namibia during the weekend.
The report says although the rains were received over shorter periods than before, the water levels at the two recording sites between Omafu and Okalongo have shown a slight increase again.
Hamata said schools in the Okalongo area were closed because water levels went up after weekend rains.
Van Langenhove assured that, "the end of the rainy season is getting nearer and the worst may have passed".
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