The cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe continues to intensify with 88 new cases and the recovery rate declining, according to the Ministry of Health.
The daily situation report shows that 36 of the new cases were in Harare, with the majority of cases concentrated in 17 hotspot districts across the country. A total of 113 cholera patients are currently hospitalised.
The first outbreak of 2023 began in February in Chegutu, Mashonaland West Province. Since then, cases have been reported in nine of Zimbabwe’s ten provinces.
In total, there have been 1,801 suspected cholera cases, 11 laboratory-confirmed deaths, 33 suspected cholera deaths, and 428 confirmed cases. However, worryingly the recovery rate has fallen to 91%, down from 92% the previous day.
The cholera epidemic shows no signs of easing, with cases and deaths continuing to mount. The situation could rapidly worsen if urgent action is not taken.
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by contaminated food or water. It can kill within hours if left untreated. The outbreak has hit Zimbabwe hard due to dilapidated water and sanitation infrastructure as well as economic troubles.
The Ministry of Health and international aid groups are working to control the crisis by improving water access, sanitation and hygiene. But with cases surging, the death toll climbing and the recovery rate declining, the cholera epidemic continues to grip Zimbabwe.
