One dead, 24 hospitalized as cholera hits district in SW Tanzania

Cholera outbreak in southwestern Tanzania's district of Kyela has killed one person and left 24 others hospitalized, officials said on Sunday.

Kyela District Medical Officer, Mariam Gwere, confirmed the death, saying the first case was recorded on November 17 and immediately people were informed to take necessary precautions.

"We've banned gatherings and meetings in the district," the official said in an interview with Xinhua, adding that the outbreak can be attributed to a lack of personal hygiene, consumption of contaminated water and lack of adequate toilet facilities in the affected areas.

Gwere said that the efforts to restrain further spread of the disease were ongoing as various public health officials have been deployed in the affected areas in the district.

Kyela District Council director Mussa Mgatta said that three special areas have been set up that will be used for the cholera patients.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)