A TOTAL of 113 deaths and 7,190 other cases of cholera infection m have been recorded in the country from January to October, the government has stated.

Dr Vida Mmbaga, the Health ministry assistant director of preventive services, made this affirmation in Dar es Salaam over the weekend at a training session for religious leaders on infectious disease prevention, especially cholera, mpox and narburg.

All regions except Njombe, Iringa and Kilimanjaro had reported cases of cholera infection, she said, noting that no cases of mpox or marburg had been reported countrywide.

Educating communities on preventive measures was vital as the diseases can spread through physical contact, airborne transmission from bodily fluids and contact with wild animal carcasses, she stated.

Key symptoms such as rashes and blisters are common for mpox and Marburg infections, she said, appealing to religious leaders to help spread the message as to crucial precautions.

“It is important to avoid contact with the bodily fluids of symptomatic individuals, refrain from washing the bodies of those showing symptoms and practice regular hand hygiene,” the director emphasised, cautioning also on handshakes, hugs and handling carcasses in a suspicious environment.

Dr Godwin Mollel, the deputy minister, called for collaboration between religious leaders and the government to raise awareness about controlling infectious diseases in places of worship.

He said the government was keen on initiatives to combat these threats, as an aspect of the need to assure Tanzanians that the country is safe, for them to pursue their daily activities without fear.

The government has allocated resources to ensure that border crossing points are dotted with equipment to check for symptoms in a bid to control potential cases of infection before a person enter the country, he said.

Despite that cases were reported in neighboring countries, Tanzania remains free from mpox and Marburg, he said, while religious leaders expressed their commitment to working with the government in educating their congregations about the diseases.

Sheikh Ally Ngeruko, the acting Mufti, thanked the government for recognising the role of religious communities, pledging cooperation in raising awareness.

Bishop Gabriel Magwega, representing the Christian Council of Tanzania (CCT), stressed the need of educating congregants to prevent infections and encouraging timely medical attention for those exhibiting symptoms.

Florida Boniface, a church community leader with the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) urged church communities to ensure effective education on the issues in whatever occasion they have.