Oshakati — Cholera has claimed three lives at Engela State Hospital while 727 suspected cases of cholera have been reported in the Ohangwena Region, with 16 confirmed cholera cases, said the Regional Health Director Dr Naftal Hamata.

Another seven deaths and at least 1612 cases of malaria have been reported in the Omusati Region, while the Ohangwena Region recorded 80 cases with two deaths. This figure excludes Okongo because figures were not immediately available. Oshana Region has recorded 190 malaria cases so far with two deaths. Dr Hamata said there is a likelihood of a high number of malaria cases this year because there are lots of pools of water and mosquitoes are breeding in such still water. He said a lot of mosquito nets are needed for everyone. The only people supplied with mosquito nets are pregnant women, children under the age of five and TB and HIV/Aids patients.

He added that the number of malaria cases would increase since most of the clinics are not fully operational due to a lot of water, and nurses who cannot reach villages.