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Health Reporter
Recent outbreaks of typhoid and anthrax in Manicaland Province are now under control, a senior health official has said. Director of epidemiology and disease control in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr Portia Manangazira said in Makoni District, no anthraxrelated deaths were reported.
She said five seriously ill people were still receiving treatment at Rusape General Hospital.
Dr Manangazira said a team from Harare, both from the health and agricultural sections, was working flat-out to control the outbreak.
“We continue to ask for co-operation from the villagers to allow our officers to slaughter the affected animals. We also appeal to the villagers not to eat any products of an affected animal,” Dr Manangazira said.
So far, 27 people have been treated for anthrax after they ate meat from infected animals prior to the festive season.
Anthrax is a life-threatening infectious disease which normally affects animals, but can be transmitted to humans by contact with infected animals or their products.
Flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever, chills, and malaise may accompany swelling.
Dr Manangazira said a typhoid outbreak in Nyanga was also under control.
The outbreak, which started at the beginning of November left nearly 150 people affected. No typhoid deaths were reported.
She urged people to continue exercising health precautionary measures before handling food and after using the toilet.
Online Reporter