The Sunday Mail
Sunday Mail Reporter
The GOVERNMENT continues to trace possible cholera cases and exhort the public to be on high alert for diarrhoeal and other water-borne diseases.
This comes after two cholera cases were recorded in Chegutu a fortnight ago.
There are fears that the disease might spread to other parts of the country if not contained.
Water challenges continue to plague Harare and Chitungwiza, forcing residents to rely on unsafe alternative sources.
Ministry of Health and Child Care director for epidemiology and disease control Dr Rudo Chikodzere said members of the public need to use proper sanitation systems.
“For prevention of cholera, people are advised to make sure they drink and use safe water and boil it at all times.
“Practise hygiene at all times, including washing hands before eating and after visiting the toilet. Also desist from eating unhygienically prepared food,” she said.
Malawi is currently witnessing its worst cholera outbreak in history, with more than 40 000 cases and over 1 000 deaths recorded so far.
Cholera deaths have also been reported in Mozambique, Zambia and South Africa this year. Dr Chikodzere said there is a high risk of imported cases as the country is used as a transit route by most Southern African Development Community countries.
“The public are, therefore, advised to be vigilant for symptoms of watery diarrhoea among travellers from Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia, and alert their nearest health facilities for treatment,” she said.
Last year, Government procured diarrhoeal kits — intravenous fluids, antibiotics, tents and other materials — and distributed them to cholera hotspots around the country.
Medical and Dental Private Practitioners of Zimbabwe Association president Dr Johannes Marisa said Government’s decision to activate emergency health response mechanisms was the best thing to do.
“But it is critical for the country to scale up readiness to quickly detect cases and mount comprehensive and timely responses,” he said.
Zimbabwe has also updated cholera and typhoid control guidelines with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
In 2022, at least 29 African countries reported cholera cases to WHO, a notable increase from the average of less than 20 countries over the past five years.
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection characterised, in its severe form, by extreme watery diarrhoea and potentially fatal dehydration.
It is caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
