Government acts fast to control bacteria outbreak at Mwense boarding schools

Mwense, July 7, 2025 – The Government, through the Ministry of Health, has quickly reacted to a recent health warning at Mwense Secondary School, where a number of students have been affected by a suspected bacterial infection.

Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, the Permanent Secretary for Technical Services at the Ministry of Health, was present in Mwense to directly manage the situation and ensure a quick and effective response while also supporting ongoing medical efforts.

Dr. Lishimpi confirmed that the outbreak is a bacterial infection in the Cerebrospinal fluid, with symptoms that include headaches, flu-like signs, fever, stomach aches, and high temperatures.

Laboratory tests are currently being conducted to accurately determine the specific type of bacteria. The results from these tests will be very important in guiding specific treatment plans and helping to decide on possible vaccination strategies to stop further spread.

A joint medical team from Lusaka, the Luapula Provincial Health Office, and the Mwense District Health Office is actively handling the situation, and all necessary actions are being taken to protect the health and safety of the affected students and the Mwense community.

The permanent secretary was accompanied by Mr. Henry Kapata, the Director of the Ministry of Information and Media, Mr. Happystone Mwape, the Mwense District Commissioner, Mr. Phillip Muonga, the District Administrative Officer, Cllr Enerst Chibwaya, the Vice Chairperson, Mr. Ryod Mwansa, the Mwense Town Council Director of Finance, Dr. Mumba, the District Health Director, Ms. Sabeta Mwansa, the Education Board Secretary, and other government officials.

The Ministry of Health will keep a close watch on the situation and will share more updates as new information comes in.