The ManicaPost
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT through the Ministry of Health and Child Care has intensified preventative and control measures following a recent cholera outbreak in Buhera, with Murambinda Town Centre being the epicentre of the water-borne disease.
A total of 51 suspected new cholera cases were recorded this week, while one person succumbed to the disease.
A total of 61 patients are currently admitted in Buhera, Mutare and Chipinge districts as the deadly water-borne disease continues to affect parts of the country’s eastern province.
According to a cholera outbreak update released yesterday (Thursday) by Manicaland Provincial Medical Director, Dr Munyaradzi Mukuzunga, one person died in Buhera, while 61 others are admitted at various health centres mainly in Buhera and some in Chipinge and Mutare districts respectively.
The latest update indicates that the cumulative cholera deaths in Manicaland have now reached 75, while the cumulative suspected cases are now at 1 806.
The breakdown of the cumulative deaths from cholera in Manicaland has Buhera District accounting for 37 deaths, Chimanimani (seven), Chipinge (six), Mutare City (one), Mutare District (18) and Mutasa (six).
Dr Mukuzunga said that the Ministry of Health and Child Care is continuing with Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) to educate communities on preventive and control measures.
“The Ministry of Health and Child Care is continuing with Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) to educate communities on preventive and control measures.
“Various preventative and control mechanisms have been put in place, including the setting up of cholera treatment camps, community engagement and health education, active case finding, contact tracing and monitoring, water sampling and testing, water treatment as well as controlling of vending,” said Dr Mukuzunga.
Speaking during this week’s post-Cabinet briefing, Publicity, Information, Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere said Government had reactivated Buhera District’s Department of Civil Protection to enlighten residents on the subject.
“The Minister of Health and Child Care also presented a report on preventive measures with respect to reported cases of cholera in Buhera. Cabinet would like to inform the nation that Government has instituted a number of measures to contain the reported Buhera incidents such as mobilising equipment for borehole drilling, advocacy and activation of the district Department of Civil Protection. The nation will be kept abreast of developments on the matter,” he said.
