The ManicaPost
Health Reporter
CHIMANIMANI District yesterday recorded three new cholera cases, accounting for the second highest number of the total reported across the country.
This takes Manicaland’s cumulative total of laboratory confirmed cases to seven, while the number of suspected cases stands at 25.
According to yesterday’s Ministry of Health and Child Care Disease Surveillance Report, the province has one hospitalised case and 24 recovery cases, four of which are new.
Manicaland has not recorded any deaths from the disease.
“15 new suspected cholera cases and four laboratory confirmed cases were reported today (yesterday). These were reported from Mbire (10), Chimanimani (three) and Beitbridge (two). As of March 20, seven cases were hospitalised. These are admitted at Chimanimani District Hospital (one), Beitbridge District Hospital (three), Bikita District Hospital (one), Thorngroove Hospital in Bulawayo (one) and Chidodo Clinic (one) in Mbire District,” reads part of the report.
One cholera-related death was recorded yesterday in Masvingo Province.
Adds the report: “We regret to report a cholera confirmed death from Bikita District in Masvingo Province and three suspected Mozambican nationals in Mbire District in Mashonaland Central Province, who results for suspected deaths are still pending.”
Six new recoveries were recorded, taking the national recovery rate to 91 percent.
“As of yesterday, 173 suspected cases of cholera were recorded, with 21 being confirmed. There have been 157 recovery cases and five deaths.
Meanwhile, residents in Mutare have been called upon to be vigilant following the confirmed cholera reported in Chimanimani District.
In a statement this morning, City of Mutare said its health department is raising awareness on the disease among local communities as well as promoting measures to prevent and contain its spread.
The local authority urged the public to seek medical attention and report to nearest health facilities if they suspect cholera cases in their respective areas.
Cholera is a diarrhoeal disease caused by a germ called viio cholera and is characterised by sever rice watery diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration.
The water-borne disease can be prevented by washing hands thoroughly with soap or ash under running water after using the toilet and before handling, preparing and eating food. Disinfecting drinking water through either boiling or use of water purifying tablets or solutions can also prevent cholera.
