adminWalter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
TWO cases of cholera have been recorded at Chingwizi, Masvingo Provincial Medical Director Dr Robert Mudyiradima has confirmed. Tokwe-Mukorsi flood victims are settled at Chingwizi settlement and some have previously complained of poor living conditions there, urging the government to do more to improve the situation.
The outbreak of the disease at Chingwizi settlement brings to 10 the number of cases that have been recorded countrywide this year following other confirmed cases in Mudzi, which had five cases; Beitbridge two and one in Chirundu.
“I can confirm two cases having been recorded at Chingwizi but the victims; male and female adults are being attended at Chingwizi clinic. Health teams are on the ground and are managing the situation,” said Dr Mudyirandima.
Sources at the settlement said three cases, instead of two had been reported at the settlement, but Dr Mudyirandima dismissed the claim.
He professed ignorance on the possible source of the disease but urged people to be very cautious when travelling to neighbouring countries where cholera has been detected.
He said the situation is under control.
“I can’t tell the real source as we don’t know at present. We urge our people to be always on the alert when using unprotected water sources and when visiting neighbouring countries where cases of cholera have been reported. However, people shouldn’t panic as the situation is under control,” he added.
Cholera is a waterborne and infectious disease which causes severe watery diarrhoea and leads to serious dehydration and even death.
It is caused by eating or drinking contaminated food and water.
Cholera spreads easily during rainy periods in areas where there is poor sanitation and wet conditions.
Online Reporter