By Lauryn M’banga

A cholera outbreak in Phalombe district has killed six people in a day, a health official said Thursday.

Spokesperson for Phalombe District Health Office, Daniel Chilomo said the deceased are among 17 people who were diagnosed on Wednesday.

Chilomo said the infected individuals had travelled to Chikwawa district for prayers and on their way back they noticed signs and symptoms of the disease but did not seek medical help due to religious beliefs.

He said the office is working tirelessly in sensitizing the communities and promoting safe hygiene in order to contain the outbreak.

A total of 25 districts have reported cholera cases since the confirmation of the first case in March 2022 in Machinga district.

As of October 20, the cumulative confirmed cases and deaths reported since the onset of the outbreak is 5,029 and 147 respectively.