Harare urges residents to take precautions against cholera as cases rise

Harare (New Ziana) -The City of Harare has advised residents to take precautions and observe prevention protocols as cases of cholera are rising throughout the country, with three deaths and sixteen confirmed cases having been recorded on Sunday.

In a daily situational update, the Ministry said the cholera cases were reported from Chitungwiza City (19), Harare (16), Mutare (11), Buhera (9), Zvimba (4), Centenary (2), Chegutu (2), Gutu (2) and Mazowe (1).

A total of 102 cholera patients are currently hospitalised in Bikita, Zaka, Gutu, Buhera and Harare among other areas countrywide.

“66 new suspected cholera cases, (3) suspected deaths and (16) laboratory confirmed results were reported today. The cases were reported from Chitungwiza City (19), Harare (16), Mutare (11), Buhera (9), Zvimba (4), Centenary (2) Chegutu (2) Gutu (2), and Mazowe (1).

A total of 43 districts have reported cholera cases so far in the country.

“As of 05 November 2023, 102 cases are hospitalized at Bikita (2) Chiredzi (1), Zaka (1), Gutu (5), in Masvingo Province, Buhera (29),Chipinge (13), Mutare Rural (24) Chimanimani (1) Mutare City (6),in Manicaland Province, Beatrice Road Infectious Diseases Hospital (7) in Harare Province, Chitungwiza City (3), Chegutu,” said the Ministry.

In response to the increase in cholera cases, the City of Harare has advised residents to take precautions and take preventative measures.

“The city has noted an increase in suspected and confirmed cholera cases since the start of the current outbreak which started in Buhera.

“The City is ramping up efforts to deal with the causes of cholera and hereby implores residents to also take the necessary precautions including presenting themselves at our medical facilities once cholera symptoms are exhibited.

The local authority has urged residents to wash hands before consumption of food, avoid gatherings, eating at or preparing food at gatherings, avoid handshaking at gatherings, treat all water regardless of source- use water guard, aquatabs and boiling.

Council has also advised residents to seek medical attention if they are having symptoms of diarrhoea with or without vomiting.

“Council clinics are treating all diarrheal illnesses for free,” it said.

New Ziana