By George Swarei
The Secretary of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province, Tafadzwa Muguti has issued an alert on a surge in cholera cases within the Metropolis.
In a statement Saturday, Muguti revealed that there were 288 suspected cholera cases and 84 culture confirmed cases in the province as of the 19th of May 2023, with confirmed cases having been reported in Budiriro, Glenview, Dzivarasekwa, Mt Pleasant, Mbare and Waterfalls.
Mr Muguti adviced the public to be on high alert for symptoms of watery diarrhoea and to report to their nearest health facilities for treatment.
“Please do not ignore or dismiss any of these symptoms. Prevention and control measures have been put in place and all districts in the Province’s emergency preparedness, response teams and systems have been activated,” he said.
The Provincial secretary urged the public to adhere to hygienic measures such as washing hands thoroughly with soap under safe running water before, during and after preparing food, eating or feeding children. Hands should also be washed after using the toilet, or after cleaning a child’s bottom and after taking care of someone with cholera.
Secretary Muguti went on to advice the public of proper food preparation and handling procedures such as cooking food well, keeping it covered and eating it hot.
As a precautionary measure the public has been urged to wash all fruits and vegetables under safe and clean running water, drink and use safe water and to boil water or treat it with chlorine or other water treatment chemicals.
“Where cholera is suspected, you are advised to drink lots of fluids such as salt and sugar solution made with safe water or oral rehydration solution and visit the nearest health facility for prompt treatment. If anyone has watery diarrhoea immediately report to the nearest health facility or call the Ministry of Health and Child Care Public Health Emergency Operations Centre toll free number 2019 for assistance,” he said.
The latest developments in Harare come at a time when the Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care, Honourable Gen (Rtd) Dr. Constantine Chiwenga is on record having informed the nation cabinet that fourteen African countries have now reported cholera outbreaks in 2023, with a cumulative 160 756 suspected cholera cases having been reported in the African region, including 3 288 deaths as of 4 April 2023. As of 16 April 2023, Zimbabwe’s cumulative suspected cholera cases stood at 457, with 438 recoveries and 2 deaths.
At the time Dr Chiwenga said “Eight of the ten provinces continue reporting cholera cases with the exceptions of Matabeleland North province and Midlands province. Matabeleland South province has recorded 158 cases while Manicaland Province has 118.”
Cholera is a bacterial disease usually spread through contaminated water it causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. If left untreated, cholera can be fatal within hours, even in previously healthy people. Modern sewage and water treatment may prevent cholera. The risk of a cholera epidemic is highest when people live in crowded conditions without adequate sanitation.
