In the past 24 hours, Zimbabwe has recorded 53 new suspected cases of cholera, with four suspected deaths and 21 laboratory-confirmed results. The suspected cases were reported in Harare, Buhera, Chimanimani, Mutasa, and Mutare Rural.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has identified 17 districts as cholera hotspots, including Chegutu, Chikomba, Chitungwiza, and Harare. The first cholera outbreak in 2023 began on February 12 in Chegutu town, Mashonaland West Province, and has since spread to all ten provinces in the country.
As of Wednesday, there have been 2,232 suspected cholera cases, with 15 laboratory-confirmed deaths, 37 suspected cholera deaths, and 541 laboratory-confirmed cases reported.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care continues to urge the public to practice good hygiene, including washing hands with soap and clean water, properly disposing of waste, and avoiding eating food from unlicensed vendors.
Cholera is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which spreads through contaminated food and water. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, vomiting, and severe dehydration. Cholera can be fatal if left untreated.
