Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Acting Health Minister Joseph Katema
More cases of Konzo, a disease of the nervous system characterized by a permanent but non progressive partial paralysis of the Limbs have been recorded in Mongu, Western province.
Acting Health Minister Joseph Katema has told Parliament in a ministerial statement that the disease is caused by inadequate preparation of cassava which contains cyanide compounds that are potentially poisonous if consumed without proper processing.
Dr Katema explains inadequate processing of the cassava is believed to result in residual level of cyanide that over a long period of time affect the central nervous system resulting in the development Konzo.
He says of the 23 cases diagnosed in Lwatembo area of Mongu district in July this year, a further 10 cases have been identified all of them having classical symptoms of Konzo, living victims permanently disabled.
Dr Katema states government’s response to this health emergency has focused on strengthening disease surveillance, improving food security as well as health promotion and community mobilization in the affected area.
He adds that the Mongu district community medical office and the provincial medical office have embarked on various activities to sensitize the community on Konzo and the importance of ensuring that cassava is adequately process before it is consumed.
Dr Katema has further states that Lwatembo community has begun receiving 3,000 bags of relief maize through the DMMU and that the scaling up nutrition project is due to start in Luyi Ward where most of the cases come from.