Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
A GROWING number of cholera cases in Manicaland are being linked to patients crossing into the country from Mozambique, driving a surge in reported infections.
According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, 24 suspected cases and one death have been recorded in the province, with 23 cases in Nyanga District and another one in Chipinge.
Nyanga is the epi-centre of the outbreak, with health officials attributing the spread to cross-border infections.
Nyanga District Medical Officer, Dr Majoni John Muungani said the district had recorded 23 suspected cases, 18 of which had been confirmed, and one death.
He said 99 percent of the cases were imported, highlighting the significant impact of cross-border movement on the spread of cholera in the province.
“Most of the cholera cases we are attending to are from Mozambique, where there is an ongoing outbreak. Patients are crossing into the country to seek medical attention,” said Dr Muungani, adding that frequent movement between communities on both sides of the border continue to heighten the risk of transmission.
“The border is largely porous and is separated mainly by Gairezi River. Communities cross regularly for trade, funerals and social gatherings, which increase exposure to infection,” he said, adding that the situation is further complicated by strong social and economic ties between the two countries.
“In some schools along the border, up to 30 percent of learners are from Mozambique. This level of interaction increases the chances of disease spread,” he said, further pointing to shifting mining activities as another contributing factor.
He noted that the destruction of Nyarugwe Mine had forced some artisanal miners to relocate across the border, while still relying on local health facilities.
Low water and sanitation coverage in affected communities was worsening the situation.
“Sanitation coverage in some areas stands at around 53,5 percent, while access to safe water is about 66,7 percent. Some villages do not have sanitation facilities at all and depend on Gairezi River for water,” said Dr Muungani, adding that the outbreak in the Mozambican district bordering Nyanga continued to fuel imported infections into the province.
The situational report indicated that of the 24 suspected cases recorded so far, 23 samples were tested, with 18 returning positive results.
One patient remained admitted in Nyanga, one had died and the rest had recovered.
The figures showed a steady increase in cases since early March, when only three suspected infections were recorded in the province.
The report also confirmed that an additional case among patients already under care in Nyanga was laboratory-confirmed.
Aggressive containment measures have been activated to curb further spread, with the Civil Protection Committee activating its structures at district level, working alongside ward risk reduction committees to coordinate response efforts.
“All cases are being managed at designated Cholera Treatment Centres, and contact tracing is ongoing for individuals who may have been exposed,” he said, adding that fumigation of suspected contaminated sites were conducted, while additional health personnel were deployed to affected areas.
Awareness campaigns were also being intensified in schools, mining areas, business centres and village, while traditional leaders have also been incorporated into the response strategy, assisting with awareness and monitoring community compliance. Health authorities were further supervising funerals in affected areas to ensure adherence to safety protocols, while cross-border engagements with Mozambican counterparts had been initiated.
Response teams were at both district and facility levels to strengthen surveillance and case detection, while community health workers were conducting door-to-door visits to identify new cases and educate residents.
Cholera treatment camps had been established and equipped with personnel, motorcycles and fuel to enhance rapid response. Training of rapid response teams is also underway in Buhera, Mutare City and Mutare districts, with support from Zimbabwe Red Cross Society.
