Cholera camp remains open

Heather Charema Mash West Correspondent
Government has postponed the disbandment of the cholera treatment camp established in Chegutu early this year when four people died of the disease.

The Chegutu District Civil Protection Committee recently declared the town cholera free after going for more than two weeks without any suspected case.

However, the town recorded a suspected cholera case last week although the 23-year-old man tested negative.

In an interview, Chegutu District Medical Officer Dr Tonderai Nhende confirmed that they have rescinded the decision to disband the treatment camp.

“We were supposed to disband the cholera camp on 6 March, but then we admitted a 23-year-old male from Heroes Area with typical signs and symptoms of cholera,” he said.

“This means that we still have to look out for cholera cases as we have poor water sanitation and supply therefore the cholera camp remains open, only closing if we do not get a case in the next 14 days.”

He said authorities were still on surveillance and looking out for any possible cholera cases while investigating all diarrhoea cases.

Chegutu District Administrator Mr Tariri Tomu, who is also the chairperson of the District Civil Protection Committee, said there was need to submit strategies that could help maintain the cholera free status.