Zimbabwe’s government has implemented restrictions on public gatherings and food vending while closely monitoring burials in areas hit by a surge in cholera cases.
The country saw a significant increase in new cholera cases this week, rising from 437 to 1,259, marking the largest spike since the outbreak began in February. This has caused alarm in Zimbabwe, which experienced over 4,000 deaths due to cholera in 2008.
As of now, there have been 155 deaths associated with cholera out of 8,787 reported cases, according to the health ministry. The authorities declared a state of emergency in Harare, the capital, which has witnessed the highest number of new infections.
Residents in Harare’s Kuwadzana suburb, where seven of the city’s 13 cholera deaths occurred, voiced concerns about irregular access to clean water, uncollected garbage, and sewage flowing on the streets.
Many have resorted to shallow wells for water, although even these sources have become contaminated. Bertha Rwizi, receiving treatment at Kuwadzana polyclinic, highlighted the challenges faced by locals.
Health worker Mercy Chiweshe emphasized the importance of clean water in treating cholera cases and preventing further spread. She called for the installation of boreholes to address the water shortage and urged residents to maintain proper hygiene.
Harare’s municipal authorities have been distributing water treatment tablets to residents as part of their efforts to combat the diarrheal disease.