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Cholera in Malawi (Update)

12 May 2015

The cholera outbreak in Chikwawa district in the Southern Region of Malawi is ongoing. It has been reported that the number of new cases has risen to 281 compared with 239 new cases in the previous week.

Health workers are going door to door to raise awareness and advise affected communities on ways to prevent further spread of infection. Organisations including WHO, UNICEF and MSF are supporting the authorities in their efforts to contain the outbreak. MSF has opened an additional cholera treatment centre at the local hospital to help provide treatment to those affected.

Advice for Travellers

Cholera is a low risk for most 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.