Five Cholera Cases Confirmed in Zimbabwe

F ive cholera cases have to date been confirmed in Zimbabwe with no hospitalisation and deaths being witnessed. The five were obtained after...

Five cholera cases have to date been confirmed in Zimbabwe with no hospitalisation and deaths being witnessed. The five were obtained after doing culture tests of 60 suspected cases.

“Since 12 February 2023, sixty suspected cases of cholera have been reported in Zimbabwe from Chegutu (58), Mudzi (1), and Mutare (1). Of these Five cases have been confirmed by culture test, and as of 6th March 2023 there has been no reported death from cholera and no patient has been admitted for the disease,” Acting Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said.

Meanwhile the Zimbabwean government says it is enhancing its surveillence and response measures across the country.

“Considering the high risk of diarrheal diseases, especially cholera and typhoid during the rainy season, Government is accelerating the surveillance and response mechanisms in all provinces.

“Government is also instituting processes for the refurbishing and upgrading of sewer and reticulation systems and provision of clean water,” said Minister Muswere.

Added the Acting Information Minister, “Meanwhile, Cabinet enjoins the public to note that Government has taken the following actions in response to the cholera outbreak:

1. The National, Provincial and District Rapid Response Teams as well as the Civil Protection Committee (CPC) have been activated;
2. The National Reference Laboratory is carrying out drug sensitivity tests for any suspected cases of cholera;
3. Acute Water Diarrheal (AWD) Kits are pre-positioned at cholera hotspots; 
4. All districts are on high alert for any outbreaks;
5. Community health workers were sensitized and community awareness is ongoing in all districts;
6. The Cholera Outbreak Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan for 2023-2024, the relevant budget, as well as the country’s Cholera and Typhoid Guidelines have been reviewed and updated; and
7. Vaccination campaigns for vaccine-preventable diseases (measles and polio) are ongoing.”

Cholera outbreaks are being reported in a number of SADC countries, including Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique and South Africa, with Malawi being the most affected.