Department of Tourism has said the Cholera outbreak that has hit Nkhata Bay Boma should not scare tourists.
The district hosts over 200 tourism facilities and has recently seen a boom in new tourist resorts along its beaches, according to Malawi Tourism Guide website.
Most of these facilities are situated at the Boma where the outbreak has been registered.
In an interview on Tuesday, director of tourism Patricia Liabuba said as long as the situation is contained, there is no reason to panic.
She said: “Tourists can still go to government approved sites where facilities are inspected and they can still swim in the lake.”
Nkhata Bay District Hospital public relations officer Christopher Singini said Cholera has hit four villages around the boma.
He said the affected villages drink water, clean utensils and wash clothes in the lake, hence, exposing themselves to risks.
Singini said tourists visiting the area should observe strict personal hygiene.
“They are discouraged from buying fish as well, which most them like so much,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Mzuzu City Council (MCC) met on Monday afternoon to map the way forward in handling the outbreak.
MCC deputy mayor Frazor Chunga said officials do not want to be caught unawares noting that Nkhata Bay is close to Mzuzu and supplies a number of food items such as bananas, fish, cassava and rice to the city.
He said: “Nkhata Bay is close and a number of food items come from there, so we want to put in place measures that will help avoid the outbreak in the city. We don’t want to be taken by surprise.” n
