At least five new suspected cholera cases have been recorded in Kariba, bringing the cumulative figure to 70, according to the latest data. This marks a concerning development, as the fishing town grapples with a cholera outbreak that was initially detected earlier this month. The new cases emerged three months after the government had declared an end to a previous cholera outbreak, following four consecutive weeks without any reported cases, in line with the Global Task Force on Cholera Control’s guidelines.
Cholera, a waterborne disease that can lead to severe dehydration and death if not treated promptly, has raised alarm bells for health authorities and experts. Dr. Johannes Marisa, a health expert, emphasized that cholera is typically easy to contain if basic preventive measures are implemented effectively. “We should have access to clean water, observe good hygiene, improve our sanitation, and educate communities about the risk of the disease,” he said. These are essential steps that can help curb the spread of cholera and protect the population.
Despite the worrying increase in suspected cholera cases, the Health and Child Care Ministry reported that there have been no new deaths linked to the outbreak, with the total number of suspected deaths remaining at one. The case fatality rate stands at 1.4%, while the recovery rate is an encouraging 98.6%. However, health experts are urging the authorities to take immediate action to prevent the disease from spreading further, particularly to other regions of Zimbabwe. The positivity rate is reported to be 54.3%, which underscores the ongoing need for increased vigilance.
A crucial element in managing the outbreak is the swift identification of contacts and the administration of preventive treatments. On Sunday this week, 13 contacts were traced, and over 1,000 people received the Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV). Surveillance efforts are ongoing in Ward 2 of Nyaminyami District, which includes the area around Kariba, to monitor and manage potential new cases.
The cholera outbreak was first reported on November 4, 2024, at the Gatche Gatche fishing camp in Kariba, with the initial case involving a 35-year-old woman who was treated as an outpatient but tragically passed away at home. Following her death, four more individuals exhibiting cholera symptoms sought treatment at Gatche Gatche Clinic on November 5, and laboratory tests confirmed the presence of *Vibrio cholerae*, the bacteria responsible for cholera. This rapid spread of cases highlights the need for immediate containment measures.
In response to the outbreak, the Zimbabwean government has enlisted the help of partners such as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the Red Cross, who have been instrumental in providing transportation for the OCV administration efforts. Additionally, law enforcement agencies have been mobilized to regulate the movement of fish, which is a potential vector for the disease, and environmental health technicians are conducting food quality inspections to prevent further contamination.
Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Sleiman Kwidini, reassured the public that the government was taking the situation seriously. “We are making efforts to contain cholera in Kariba, and provincial and district teams have been deployed to work on stopping the further spread of the disease,” he said. He further emphasized that while the outbreak is concerning, it is not yet out of control.
However, public health organizations are calling for greater urgency in addressing the crisis. The Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) has urged the government to adhere more closely to the constitutional, legal, and policy provisions regarding cholera and related diseases. CWGH Executive Director Itai Rusike acknowledged the government’s progress through the Public Health Act but pointed out that there had been insufficient focus on the effective implementation of health policies, particularly in managing outbreaks like cholera.
Zimbabwe has faced several cholera outbreaks in recent years, with the most recent major epidemic reported in Chegutu in February 2023, which rapidly escalated into a public health emergency affecting all 10 provinces. While significant progress has been made in containing the disease in many regions, the re-emergence of cholera in Kariba serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing vulnerability of Zimbabwe to waterborne diseases.
As the government and health partners continue to work on containment, the focus remains on improving water sanitation, community education, and health surveillance to prevent further spread. The situation in Kariba is being closely monitored, with authorities urging the public to stay vigilant and adhere to health guidelines to curb the outbreak.
In other news – Wicknell Chivayo to assist Simon Pashoma Ncube with $20,000 donation
Prominent Zimbabwean businessman and tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo has announced a generous and life-changing donation to former ZBC Radio DJ Simon “Pashoma” Ncube, who has been enduring destitute conditions for some time. In an emotional post on his social media, Wicknell Chivayo expressed his intention to support the ailing broadcasting legend, offering both financial aid and material resources to help Ncube rebuild his life.
The announcement was made after a viral video showing Ncube, visibly frail and using crutches, sparked widespread sympathy across Zimbabwe. The video depicted Ncube’s dire situation and the harsh conditions he had been facing, which prompted Wicknell Chivayo to take immediate action. Read More
