The number of Bilharzia cases recorded in Lumezi District has increased to 133, affecting children between the age of 5 to 15.
On 6th July, 2024, health personnel from Kataba Health Post visited Mbuzi Primary School to investigate suspected bilharzia cases after 4 pupils from the school presented at the health facility with headache, nausea, vomiting and blood in urine.
Lumezi Town Council Director Health Services, Evans Phiri, said a total of 30 more children presented similar signs and symptoms during the investigation exercise at Mbuzi Primary School.
“And a follow up visit by the Public Health team from the District Health Office was made where a total of 54 new cases were identified during contact tracing,” said Dr. Phiri.
He said that 38 of the new cases were identified from Kataba Primary School and 16 from Mbuzi Primary School.
Dr. Phiri said despite the source of water at Mbuzi Primary School being piped from a borehole with an overhead tank, it was reported that children usually swim at a nearby river.
He explained that 30 urine samples were collected from the suspected cases recorded on 6th July, 2024 out of which 26 were confirmed to have the parasite causing bilharzia following laboratory investigations.
Dr. Phiri said that Contact tracing in the two locations and beyond has continued in order to identify potential new cases before they spread to other neighboring communities.
This is contained in a statement issued to RCV News by Lumezi Town Council Assistant Public Relations Officer, Irvin Muyumbwa.
By Angel Kasabo
