Cholera Alert As Two Cases Are Identified

Two cholera cases have been identified by Zimbabwe’s health authorities in Chegutu with having been confirmed and another still under investigation.

The SADC region has been recording cholera cases with Malawi being the most affected.The cases come five years after Zimbabwe managed to control the 2018 epidemic.

On the 15th of February 2023, Zimbabwe confirmed a case of cholera in Chegutu town, Mashonaland West Province, having presented with watery diarrhoea and vomiting on the 12th of February 2023. On the 17th of February 2023 a second case was reported, again in Chegutu town and investigations are underway. The first confirmed case has since recovered,” the Ministry of Health and Child Care said in a statement.

The Health Ministry noted diarrhoeal diseases spread during the rainy season.

“In view of the above, the Ministry would like to remind the public of the spread of diarrhoeal and other enteric diseases during the rainy season,” said the Health Ministry. South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi have already recorded confirmed cases of Cholera.

“The Ministry of Health and Child Care is alerting the public of the current cholera outbreaks within the SADC region affecting some of our neighbouring countries (Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia). To date, over 43 000 cases and 1400 deaths have been reported in the region since January 2023,” said the Health Ministry.

The public is urged to be wary of symptoms among travellers given the country is a transit route for most SADC countries.

“Due to the high human traffic across our borders, there is a high risk of importation of cases into the country especially considering that Zimbabwe is a transit route for most SADC countries. The public are therefore advised to be on the alert for symptoms of watery diarrhoea amongst travellers from Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia and alert their nearest health facilities for treatment,” added the Ministry.

“For prevention of cholera people are advised to: Make sure you drink and use safe water and boil it at all times

Practice hygiene at all times including washing hands before eating, after visiting the toilet and desist from eating unhygienic prepared food. Use proper latrines or other sanitation systems, Cook food well, keep it covered and eat it hot.

“If one suspects cholera you are advised to visit the nearest health facility for prompt treatment. If anyone presents with watery diarrhoea immediately report to the nearest health facility or call the Ministry’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre toll free number 2019 for assistance.”