770 new cases and 16 Cholera suspected deaths in three days

Thandeka Moyo-Ndlovu, [email protected]

A TOTAL of 770 new cases and 16 suspected cholera deaths were recorded in Zimbabwe during the past three days with reports that the waterborne disease continues to wreak havoc in many communities.

Statistics from the Ministry of Health and Child Care show that 60 out of 64 districts have reported cases so far in the country.

The first cholera outbreak in the country in 2023 started on February 12 2023 in Chegutu town, Mashonaland West Province.

To date suspected and confirmed cases have been reported in 60 districts in all the 10 provinces of the country since the beginning of 2023.

“As of January 14, 2024, a cumulative total of 18 100 suspected cholera cases, 68 laboratory-confirmed deaths, 323 suspected cholera deaths, and 2 065 laboratory-confirmed cases were reported. The outbreak has now spread to more than the 17 traditional cholera hotspot districts of Buhera, Chegutu, Chikomba, Chimanimani, Chipinge, Chitungwiza, Chiredzi, Harare, Gokwe North, Marondera, Mazowe, Shamva, Mutare, Murehwa, Mwenezi, Seke and Wedza,” read the statement.