Sharon Chigeza
MUTARE-A cholera outbreak that emerged in Nyanga district near the Mozambican border has been successfully contained, with no new suspected cases recorded recently.
Manicaland Provincial Medical Director Dr Munyaradzi Mukuzunga confirmed that health authorities reported 19 confirmed cholera cases across six locations in Nyanga, including Chatindo, Regina Coeli, Elim Mission, Mukunza and Chiwarira. An isolated case was also recorded in Chipangayi, Chipinge.
“Of the 23 cases reported in Nyanga, 19 have been confirmed. No new suspected cases have been recorded lately. An isolated case was recorded in Chipangayi in Chipinge,” said Dr Mukuzunga.
“We are happy that we have been able to contain the outbreak for now and we are still monitoring the situation closely to see the number of weeks without new cases.”
The rapid containment of the outbreak stands as a testament to the province’s enhanced preparedness and response mechanisms. Cholera treatment centres remain operational across the affected areas, ensuring that any resurgence can be addressed immediately.
Dr Mukuzunga said health authorities are not resting on their success. Training of health staff continues across the province as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the health system’s ability to detect, respond to, and contain disease outbreaks before they spread.
“We have trained staff in Mutare urban and rural districts like Buhera, and we have scheduled sessions in Chipinge and Chimanimani to ensure communities and health facilities are prepared for any eventuality,” he added.
The training programmes are designed to equip frontline health workers with the skills needed to identify suspected cases, manage treatment, and implement infection control measures. By building capacity across all districts, the province is creating a network of prepared facilities that can respond rapidly to any future outbreaks.
The containment of the Nyanga outbreak is particularly significant given the area’s proximity to the Mozambican border, where cross-border movement can complicate disease surveillance and control efforts. Health authorities have maintained close monitoring of border areas to ensure that cases are detected early and do not spread between communities.
Health officials continue to urge communities to maintain good hygiene practices, including boiling drinking water, washing hands regularly, and seeking medical attention immediately if symptoms appear.
The provincial health department remains on high alert, with surveillance teams continuing to monitor the situation. The coming weeks will determine whether the outbreak has truly been defeated or whether sporadic cases may still emerge.
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