Minister of Health and Population Atupele Muluzi has admitted that the cholera outbreak is worsening in the country.

Muluzi however told the press in Lilongwe on Thursday that the situation is not yet epidemic.

He disclosed that the first cholera patient was reported in Karonga on November 24, 2017.

Muluzi said as of January 2 this year, a total of 158 cholera cases have been reported in the country resulting in four deaths.

“138 Cholera cases to include the 4 deaths were in Karonga. 16 cholera cases have been reported at Nkhatabay. 2 cholera cases have been reported by Dowa DHO and one cholera case was reported in both Kasungu and Lilongwe,” he said.

Muluzi said the Ministry has been working hard with development partners to control the situation.

“We have also put in place cholera prevention and control measures to include ongoing health education at the community level, and we are providing chlorine tablets to cleanse water for domestic use.”

Cholera is mainly spread due to unhygienic conditions.