Cholera Cases Drop in Hwange District

Cholera cases have significantly dropped in Hwange District.

Hwange district environmental health officer, Miss Junior Bande, revealed this during a media briefing, citing a situational report as of April 25.

Hwange district had 292 suspected cases, 31 confirmed case and 1 confirmed death and 282 recoveries. Victoria Falls has not recorded a cholera case confirmed by culture.

Zimbabwe has been battling a cholera outbreak since the February 2023, with most alarming spikes in the Southern Provinces of Masvingo and Manicaland.

According to Bande, cases have been dropping since January 25th. They even recorded zero cases between March 21 and April 10. The report also revealed that currently there are 3 hospitalized cases in Hwange.

Bande said cholera prevention is a multisectoral responsibility that requires many sectors, ministries and other government institutions and highlighted the media as key stakeholders.

“Cholera prevention is a multisectoral responsibility that requires many sectors, ministries namely local government, education, water and environment, private sector and other government institutions as well as the media you are also our key stakeholders in cholera prevention.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care is responsible for Coordination of Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Cholera Epidemics” she said.

Cholera is a diarrheal disease caused by the infection of the intestine with bacterium Vibrio Cholera and can infect both children and adults. A person can become infected by drinking water or eating food that is contaminated.

It is preventable through following a few simple rules of good hygiene and safe food preparation.

These include thorough washing of hands, especially before preparation and eating, thorough cooking of food and consumption while hot, boiling or treatment of drinking water, and use of sanitary facilities.