Thirty schools in the sprawling high-density Kanyama township in Lusaka have been closed to prevent the spread of typhoid, which has claimed one life.
Government says, however, that there are no fresh cases of the highly contagious disease, which broke out last week and for which three other people were treated.
The Lusaka City Council (LCC) has intensified inspections in the township and has been compelled to close 30 schools.
Council public relations manager Mulunda Habeenzu said in a statement yesterday that the local authority has closed both private and public schools, due to insanitary conditions.
“In view of the development, we would like to urge members of the general public, schools and eating outlets, especially in the affected area, to take preventive measures by ensuring that they maintain good hygiene and sanitation standards in order to avoid further outbreaks of the diseases,” Mr Habeenzu said.
The affected schools are Blue Bird, Grace Community School, Worldwide Community School, Bhungu Education Centre and Good Shepherd Community School.
Others are Titandize Community School, Membe Community School, Glory to Glory Community School, Gift Tech School, Silver Sand School, Sante Education Centre, Parles School, Ben Ten Day Care School, Remegel Academy, Faith Foundation Community School and Arise and Shine Day Care among others.
“Three schools in the same area, Legacy Academy, Malpher Education Centre and True Gospel Community Schools have been warned in the same vein,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya says no fresh cases of typhoid have been recorded.
Dr Chitalu said in an interview yesterday that Kanyama recorded 36 cases of suspected typhoid but that laboratory tests were negative.
“The situation is under control and we shall continue to monitor the situation and will be kept on high alert,” Dr Chilufya said.
He said Government will not relax despite there being no new cases recorded.
Dr Chilufya said Government has embarked on a sensitisation and cleanliness awareness campaign in Kanyama. – Zambia Daily Mail
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