Cholera Outbreak in Zimbabwe—Harare City Urges Precautions Amid Rising Cases

BY NEW ZIANA 

The City of Harare is urging residents to observe preventative measures as cholera cases surge across Zimbabwe. The Ministry reported three fatalities and sixteen confirmed cases on Sunday, with a total of 102 patients currently hospitalised in various regions, including Bikita, Zaka, Gutu, Buhera, and Harare.

Cholera treatment centre in Buhera, where the oubreak originated. Image: New Ziana 

The Ministry’s daily update revealed that the cholera cases were primarily reported from Chitungwiza City (19), Harare (16), Mutare (11), Buhera (9), Zvimba (4), Centenary (2), Chegutu (2), Gutu (2), and Mazowe (1). As of November 5, 2023, 43 districts have reported cholera cases, indicating a widespread outbreak.

“As of 05 November 2023, 102 cases are hospitalized at Bikita (2) Chiredzi (1), Zaka (1), Gutu (5), in Masvingo Province, Buhera (29),Chipinge (13), Mutare Rural (24) Chimanimani (1) Mutare City (6),in Manicaland Province, Beatrice Road Infectious Diseases Hospital (7) in Harare Province, Chitungwiza City (3), Chegutu,” said the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

In response to the escalating situation, the City of Harare is intensifying efforts to combat the cholera outbreak, which originated in Buhera. The city is encouraging residents to take necessary precautions, including seeking immediate medical attention if cholera symptoms are exhibited.

“The city has noted an increase in suspected and confirmed cholera cases since the start of the current outbreak which started in Buhera.

“The City is ramping up efforts to deal with the causes of cholera and hereby implores residents to also take the necessary precautions including presenting themselves at our medical facilities once cholera symptoms are exhibited," City of Harare said. 

The local authority has issued guidelines for residents, advising them to wash hands before eating, avoid gatherings, refrain from preparing food at gatherings, and treat all water regardless of its source using water guard, aquatabs, or boiling. 

Residents exhibiting symptoms of diarrhoea with or without vomiting are urged to seek medical attention immediately. The council has assured that all diarrhoeal illnesses will be treated free of charge at council clinics.

“Council clinics are treating all diarrheal illnesses for free,” it said.