Mozambique: Health authorities battle to halt the spread of bilharzia in Sussundenga, Manica

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Mozambique: Health authorities battle to halt the spread of bilharzia in Sussundenga, Manica

2:54 CAT | 02 Aug 2024

FILE - For illustration purposes only [File photo: Notícias]

At least thirteen students from two primary schools in the district of Sussundenga, Manica province, were diagnosed with bilharzia last week, a situation of concern to local health authorities.

Bilharzia is a tropical disease, the main symptom of which is the appearance of blood in the urine.

The disease broke out in the administrative post of Muoha in Sussundenga, where local authorities are working to halt the spread of the disease.

READ: Mozambique: Health authorities diagnose 13 cases of schistosomiasis

Sussundenga administrator Tomás Razão warned the population to observe individual and collective hygiene measures, in order to halt the spread of the disease.

“We have reported the occurrence of thirteen cases in the district among students. We believe that the contamination is occurring in schools. We have mobilised health agents to work in the communities,” Razão explained.

He said that health authorities were on high alert and that students with the disease were already undergoing treatment in schools and in the communities where they live.

“This disease spreads quickly, so treatment is being given to infected students. We are monitoring the situation in schools and homes. We will ensure the recommendations given by the health sector are followed,” he said.

According to Razão, the authorities are fighting to prevent the disease from spreading to other parts of the district, and that preventative measures are being disseminated among the population.

“So far, the situation has remained stable. We have thirteen cases. Bilharzia can appear at any age. One of the most appropriate ways to prevent the disease is individual and collective hygiene,” he explained.

A person becomes infected when they come into contact with contaminated fresh water from ponds or other places where there are snails contaminated by the worms that cause schistosomiasis.

Source: Notícias