Health authorities in Zimbabwe have identified two cholera cases in Chegutu, Mashonaland West Province, with one having been confirmed and another still under investigation.
In a statement seen by Health Times, the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) said the confirmed case has since recovered. It said:
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.
MoHCC said South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi have already recorded confirmed cases of Cholera. Reads the statement:
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.
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 is 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.
For the prevention of cholera, people are advised to: Make sure they drink and use safe water and boil it at all times.
Practice hygiene at all times including washing hands before eating, and after visiting the toilet and desisting from eating unhygienically prepared food.
Use proper latrines or other sanitation systems, Cook food well, keep it covered and eat it hot.
The Ministry urged people who suspect they have contracted cholera to visit the nearest health facility for prompt treatment. It said:
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.
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Mashonaland Central province police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe confirmed the case.Learn More
