adminCouncil revealed that 196 cases of diarrhoea have been reported in the city.
“On weekly diseases surveillance, it was reported that 196 cases of diarrhoea were recorded with Runyararo Clinic having the highest number of cases.
“It was reported that the majority of the cases were under-fives and that health education on sanitation was being given by health clubs and health education sessions at the clinics by student nurses.
“It was highlighted that Rota virus was the major contributor to the diarrhoea and the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare was working on immunising against the virus,” read the council report.
Contacted for comment, the council’s chief health officer, Mr Zvapano Munganasa, confirmed that there were concerns over the problem of diarrhoea but said he could not give information to the media.
“We normally give updates on diseases surveillance in the city under the environmental health department but I am not allowed to speak to the media, you can talk to the Mayor, Alderman Femius Chakabuda,” said Mr Munganasa.
Ald Chakabuda confirmed the outbreak but quickly said there was no reason to panic.
“We are not disturbed by the cases of diarrhoea due to the number of locations that clinics like Runyararo Clinic are servicing.
“The catchment area of Runyararo Clinic include Runyararo West, Mucheke F, Victoria Ranch, Manjange, to name but a few. It is not an abnormal situation considering all those factors,” said Ald Chakabuda.
He said the local authority had already put in place measures to deal with the outbreak.
There is an upsurge of diarrhoea cases throughout the country with 10 688 cases reported in just one week this month.
According to the Ministry’s latest weekly diseases surveillance report, the cumulative figures since the beginning of the year up to 18 November, are 418 771 cases of common diarrhoea and 259 deaths.
“There were 5 196 cases (48,6 percent) and five deaths reported among children under five years of age,” said head of Epidemiology and Diseases Control in the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, Dr Portia Manangazira.
Online Reporter