Scabies outbreak hits Mchinji

A Scabies outbreak has hit Mchinji with the contagious itchy skin disease reported in almost all traditional authorities in the district following a large number of cases in various health centres.

One of the affected children

Mchinji District Hospital Health Promotions Officer, Owen Chataika said the hospital has few drugs to cure the disease compared to the cases which he said are being reported at alarming rate.

“As of now, the disease has affected almost the entire district and as a health office, we’re appealing to well-wishers to support us with drugs to treat the already affected persons.

“We also need funds for community sensitisation to prevent further spread of the disease,” he said.

Chataika said the disease has mostly attacked children and advised communities to practice proper hygiene standards at all times to prevent the spread of the skin disease.

“Scabies can be prevented by bathing frequently with soap, avoiding sharing of clothes and beddings that are contaminated and most importantly, seeking health services,” he added.

According to Mchinji District Hospital Dermatology Officer, Fatima Chautsi from July, 2019 to January, 2020, the district hospital registered 1,186 cases.

“Scabies, if not treated in time, affects kidney and sometimes the heart gets affected,” she said.

The data shows that in October 2019, Our Lady of Mount Camel Community Hospital recorded at least 3481 cases.

In a separate interview, Traditional Authority Mduwa said some of the children who have been affected by the disease have stopped going to school.

“We have been reporting to the health officials on the outbreak, however, we are encouraging communities to practise good hygiene standards,” he said.

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JIGGIES
JIGGIES
4 years ago

Gulu laza uchifwamba la DPP laponya matenda a mphere ku Mchinji coz ndi stronghold ya MCP.

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