Botswana on high alert for diarrheal disease

GABORONE, July 23 — Botswana has strengthened its vigilance for diarrheal cases that are reported in some parts of the southern African country, health authorities announced Friday.
Currently, the most affected areas include Botswana’s northwestern districts of Okavango, Ngami and Chobe as well as the central village of Tutume, said Christopher Nyanga, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, in a telephone interview with Xinhua.
In view of the development, Nyanga said Botswana has strengthened its response and surveillance measures in order to contain the further spread of the disease in the country.
Symptoms of the diarrheal disease include dehydration, vomiting, decrease in urination, dry lips, sunken eyes, fever, nausea and blood or mucus in the stool.
The ministry has advised the public to keep their environment clean and maintain high standards of hygiene, including always washing their hands with clean water and soap.  (Xinhua)