Description of the situation
25 June 1999
Disease Outbreak Reported
Between January and May 1999, a total of 616 034 cases of malaria was reported by health centres. In January, all provinces were affected, and although only 75% of provinces were affected in May, there was a significant increase in some (especially Karusi, with 2.5 times more cases in May than in April).
A comparison of data for May 1998 and May 1999 has shown that in some provinces, cases have increased very sharply (e.g. Mutoyi, from 3 094 to 7 568; Rutoke, from 293 to 1 768). Figures concerning the number of deaths are not available for all provinces. In Mutoyi, a total of 17 deaths was registered between January and May; in Karusi, 34 deaths were recorded between 15 May and 15 June.
The local health authorities have taken the necessary measures to mobilize resources for drug procurement, reinforced epidemiological surveillance and vector control.