More cholera deaths, new cases recorded

Cholera cases in the country appear to be rising, with eight deaths and 197 new confirmed cases recorded on Tuesday, according to the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

On Monday, the Ministry reported five cholera deaths, and 167 confirmed cases of the water-borne disease in 55 districts around the country.

Tuesday’s statistics show the disease had now also spread to 56 districts, with Chiredzi, Harare and Chitugwiza the most affected areas.

The government, in response to the growing cholera challenge, has set aside emmergency funding, and mobilised treatment facilities and manpower countrywide to deal with it.

Cholera becomes more pronounced during rain seasons, as is the case now, and thrives in dirty environments typical of most cities and towns in the country where garbage is not collected and disposed of regularly.

“As of 02 January 2024, 186 cases are hospitalized, at Chiredzi (15), Mwenezi (5), Chivi (3), Bikita (3), Gutu (3) in Masvingo Province, Buhera (8), Mutare Rural (11), Chipinge (28), Chimanimani (6), Makoni (2)in Manicaland Province, BRIDH (43), Chitungwiza City (23) in Harare Province, Zvishavane (4), Gokwe South (3) Mberengwa (1) in Midlands Province, UMP (1) Mash East Province, Mbire (7), Mazowe (5), Rushinga (5), Centenary (1) in Mash Central Province and Kariba (4) Zvimba (2) Hurungwe (3) in Mash West Province,” the Ministry Health and Child Care said in its daily cholera update on Wednesday.

New Ziana