The Ministry of Health and Child Care has released a report stating that the number of suspected cholera cases in Zimbabwe has risen to 6,939, with the district of Buhera in Manicaland province being the main hotspot. The report, published on Saturday, reveals that 142 people have tragically lost their lives to this deadly diarrheal disease.
The update highlights that as of November 11, 2023, there have been 1,191 confirmed cases out of the total suspected cases. However, there is some positive news, as 6,652 individuals have successfully recovered from the illness. Out of the 49 confirmed deaths, 96 individuals are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals across the country.
Zimbabwe initially reported its first case of cholera in Chegutu, Mashonaland West province, on February 12 of this year. Since then, cases have emerged in 10 provinces. The cases are in Matabeleland South, Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West, Masvingo, Mashonaland East, Bulawayo, Chitungwiza, and Harare.
The provinces most affected by the outbreak are Manicaland, Harare, Matabeleland South, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, and Masvingo. In the period between November 4 and 10, Zimbabwe recorded 598 new suspected cases, 91 confirmed cases, 670 recoveries, five confirmed deaths, and 13 suspected deaths.
The report indicates that, on average, there were 85 suspected cases reported per day from November 10, compared to an average of 78 cases in the previous week. The number of tests conducted, both Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) and Culture tests, increased from 35,007 to 36,003 during the week.
The highest peak of new cases occurred on October 27 with 111 cases, and the numbers continue to gradually rise in Manicaland and Masvingo provinces.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care is working diligently to address the cholera outbreak, with efforts focused on providing necessary medical care and preventing further spread of the disease.
