malvernmugadzikwa
Online Reporter
Harare City Council has recorded low numbers of cholera deaths between the end of September and the first week of December, experiencing only four deaths.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail Online, Harare City Council head of corporate communications, Mr. Stanley Gama, said: “Harare has so far recorded 3200 cholera cases since September 23, 2023. Six deaths have been experienced since December 4.”
According to Mr Gama, resident education is being increased to ensure that people are aware of the warning signs and symptoms of cholera and know what to do if they are noticed.
Areas that have been affected by cholera in Harare include Hopley, Mabvuku, Kuwadzana, Glenview, and Dzivarasekwa.
“Currently, Hopley (Nhando Zone 6) is the cholera hotspot and has been recording a significant rise in cholera cases.
“The City of Harare is distributing aqua tablets in parts of Hopley as a way of containing the situation,” he said.
The area has no municipal water reticulation and sewer systems, forcing residents to use unsafe shallow wells. Residents in the area are only using two boreholes, with one currently down.
Mr Gama said, “We also have a number of cases reported around Dzivarasekwa, with seven confirmed cases in the past week.
“The council is currently working to establish more oral rehydration points so that people can have access to treatment where they stay.”
Free treatment for cholera is being provided at all Council clinics; all those with cholera symptoms are encouraged to visit the nearest clinics for treatment.
Funerals of people who would have passed away because of suspected or confirmed cholera should be supervised by health personnel.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu