Malaria death toll rises to 6 in Mutare

 

Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter

THE malaria death toll in Mutare has risen to six as the disease outbreak continues to surge.

Mutare district health promotions officer, Mrs Sophia Nezandonyi said the number of malaria cases is increasing weekly together with the death toll.

“The malaria death toll in Mutare District has now risen to six, which is deeply concerning. We have lost four people in Mutare, and two in the rural parts of the district. Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease, yet people are still dying because they delay seeking medical attention.

‘‘Early detection and treatment can save lives, but many only come to health facilities when the disease is already advanced. We urge everyone to take symptoms seriously and seek help immediately.

‘‘No one should die from malaria when effective treatment is available. Timely intervention is critical to reducing further loss of life,” she said.

In the last week of February, the district recorded 75 cases, which rose to 83 cases during the first week of March, attributed to persistent rains that are creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes.

“Malaria is there, and it is on the increase, the reason being that the rains have not stopped since January.

‘‘The more the rain, the more the mosquitoes because they will have more breeding areas. Our statistics reveal that we have a high burden of malaria in Mutare District this year. The cases are on the rise every week,” she said, urging members of the public to quickly seek medical assistance when they exhibit malaria symptoms like fever, chills and headaches to prevent the disease from progressing into severe malaria.

The increasing number of malaria cases in urban areas has become a growing concern, as previously the disease was primarily associated with rural areas like Odzi, Burma Valley, Marange, Mount Zuma, and Chitakatira.

However, the disease is now spreading in the city, with new hotspots being Hobhouse, Chikanga, Fern Valley, and Dangamvura.

“Hobhouse, Chikanga, Fern Valley and Dangamvura have emerged as the new hotspots for the disease in the city, and we urge residents to take proactive steps to prevent malaria, including using mosquito nets, closing windows early in the evening, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and using mosquito repellents.

“People in those areas should also take immediate actions once they start exhibiting malaria symptoms,” she said, emphasising the importance of environmental management to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.

Stagnant water in items such as old tires, buckets, and drains should be removed regularly, and rainwater harvesting containers should be kept tightly closed to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.

She also attributed some malaria cases to cross-border movements, particularly in areas near Mozambique, where people frequently travel between the two countries.

“Many of the reported cases in hotspot areas are imported, as some Mozambicans cross into Zimbabwe to seek medical treatment. The Ministry of Health and Child Care continues to implement prevention measures, such as the annual Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) programme. IRS is conducted for free in 27 of Mutare District’s 36 wards, covering areas most at risk of malaria outbreaks. The spraying is done between September and November before the rainy season begins.

“Residents who wish to have additional protection can purchase their own IRS chemicals, but are encouraged to consult environmental health offices to ensure the correct chemicals and trained personnel are used.

‘‘Unregulated spraying could lead to mosquito resistance, making future malaria control efforts less effective,” she said.

Mrs Nezandonyi also said pregnant women should take preventative medication offered at clinics and hospitals, as they are at a higher risk of complications.

She said other vulnerable groups include children under five, the elderly, and chronically ill individuals.