Harare, (New Ziana) – In a troubling development, the Ministry of Health and Child Care reported three new suspected cholera cases on Tuesday, all originating from Mazowe District.
Presenting the latest cholera statistics countrywide, the Ministry said as of January 14, 2025, Zimbabwe had experienced cholera cases across seven districts, highlighting the widespread nature of the outbreak.
Currently, there are two isolated cases being treated at the Tsvungubvi Community Treatment Centre in Mazowe, underscoring the need for vigilance in managing the disease. The statistics reveal a worrying trend in testing outcomes: out of 285 rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) conducted, 220 returned positive results, leading to a high positivity rate of 77%.
Furthermore, of the 34 cultures performed, 28 were confirmed positive, yielding an alarming positivity rate of 82%.
These figures indicate an urgent need for continued testing and monitoring. However, the Ministry said the national recovery rate stands impressively at 98%. The cumulative total of the outbreak shows 285 suspected cases, 28 confirmed cases, and 275 recoveries.
Tragically, the death toll has reached two, with one confirmed as a culture-positive institutional death and the other a suspected community death, resulting in a case fatality rate of 1.2%.
“In response to the outbreak, health officials have ramped up treatment efforts through a reactive campaign administering oral cholera vaccines (OVC) to 4,923 individuals over four days, targeting the most affected farms and residential areas in Glendale, Mazowe District. This initiative aims to curb the spread of the disease and protect vulnerable populations,” it said.
Health authorities are urging all districts and provinces to screen suspected cholera cases using RDTs and to send positive samples for culture testing.
This proactive approach, the Ministry said, is critical in identifying and isolating cases to prevent further transmission. Communities have been encouraged to remain vigilant, practice good hygiene, and seek medical attention if symptoms arise.
New Ziana