malvernmugadzikwa
Sunday Mail Reporter
THE Harare City Council has called on residents to avoid large gatherings as part of measures to curb the spread of cholera in the capital, where 25 cases of the disease have been recorded since August.
In a statement, the council said: “The city has noted an increase in suspected and confirmed cholera cases, with 87 and 25 cases, respectively, since the start of the current outbreak, which started in Buhera.
“The city is ramping up efforts to deal with the causes of cholera and hereby implores residents to also take the necessary precautions, including presenting themselves at our medical facilities once cholera symptoms are exhibited.”
Council clinics are treating all diarrhoeal illnesses for free.
Council urged residents to practise hand washing before consuming food and after using the toilet. It also advised the public to avoid gatherings, eating or preparing food, and shaking hands at such occasions.
In addition, residents have been urged to treat all water regardless of source, and seek medical attention as soon as possible after developing symptoms of diarrhoea.
Meanwhile, suspected cases of cholera rose by 1 678 over the last two months to a total of 6 289 as of last Friday.
Manicaland province has the highest number of cases, at 2 866.
Harare City Council health services director Dr Prosper Chonzi said the authorities were considering rolling out a mass vaccination campaign.
Online Reporter