Story by Memory Chamisa
GOVERNMENT says it is on high alert, monitoring the situation of the current cholera outbreak within the SADC region which has claimed more than 1 000.
Due to the high human traffic across Zimbabwean borders, there is a huge risk of importation of cholera cases into the country.
Since January this year, more than 43 000 cases and 1 400 deaths have been recorded in the SADC region.
Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia are the most affected.
Director Epidemiology and Disease Control in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr Rudo Chikodzore highlighted government’s alertness in containing the outbreak on all its border posts and communities.
“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. 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. However government is on high alert especially on the borders and towns. We urge people to continue washing their hands, fruits and properly cooking food and using safe sources of water,” she said.
Despite some countries having eradicated cholera infections, the SADC region has an increased risk of new infectious diseases due to the occurrence of floods in some countries.
