Cholera cases decline in Daru

 By ELIZABETH MIAE

THE number of cholera cases at the Daru General Hospital in Western, continues to decline.

The provincial cholera response committee reported that the trend was reflected in the oral re-hydration solution (ORS) points around Daru where majority of the points were seeing less than 10 people per day.

“Overall case reporting across South Fly district is also declining. Although reporting is incomplete due to the intermittent HF radio reception,” the committee said in a report.

“The patrol teams in the eastern Manuate and lower Bamu River areas report treating cases from this region.”

They said no additional cases had been reported from North Fly since the last situation.

Although, no more deaths have been reported from that region, the number of cases of acute watery diarrhoea continued to decline.

“Infection control at Daru cholera treatment centre (CTC) still not up to standard but staffing situation is still an issue though it is still operating.”

“Drum incinerators have been installed for the CTC to operate until the permanent incinerator is installed by the Health Department.”

Watsan had provided 20 boxes of soap and 200 narrow neck collapsible water containers in support of three patrol teams which have been sent to the West Kiwai areas of Mabudawan, Kibuli and Kunini for distribution via ORS points to villages.

Volunteers from Red Cross conducted awareness in in Dudi, Manuate and Kiwai islands region last week. 

Altogether they visited 33 villages providing awareness, conducting village mapping and distributing IEC materials.

 The ban on the sale of cooked food was still effective until the committee is satisfied that the outbreak is over.

Ongoing awareness in Daru town with the assistance of the town manager, police and task force members are conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.