HARARE: Zimbabwe’s government responded to a surge in cholera cases by imposing restrictions on public gatherings and food vending.
The spike, which saw new cases tripling to 1,259 this week, marks the most significant increase since the outbreak began in February. The situation has triggered alarm in the country, reminiscent of the 2008 crisis where over 4,000 people succumbed to cholera.
As of now, Zimbabwe has reported 155 cholera-related deaths out of 8,787 cases, prompting the health ministry to declare a state of emergency in Harare, the epicentre of the outbreak. Residents in affected areas, such as Harare’s Kuwadzana suburb, face challenges like irregular clean water supply, unattended garbage, and sewage flooding streets. Some have resorted to shallow wells for water, but even these sources have become contaminated, leading to health concerns.
Bertha Rwizi, a resident receiving treatment at Kuwadzana Polyclinic, highlighted the need for water treatment and medical attention if symptoms arise. Mercy Chiweshe, a health worker, emphasized the crucial role of clean water in both treating current cases and preventing further spread of the disease.
“We are appealing for boreholes because the shortage of water is affecting us and for residents to maintain good hygiene,” she said.
Harare’s municipal authorities are distributing water treatment tablets to residents in their fight against diarrheal diseases.
