Zimpapers Reporter
Government has finished investigations into cases of blood vomiting and associated deaths in communities under Nyaminyami Rural District Council.
Clinical examinations and laboratory tests point to schistosomiasis, commonly known as bilharzia, as a possible contributing factor.
Investigations conducted by multidisciplinary health teams starting in May 2019 documented 18 reported deaths and at least 42 people who had experienced episodes of vomiting blood.
Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora, told Parliament recently that investigations into the reported cases in Mola Ward 3, Nyaminyami District, Kariba, Mashonaland West Province, were prompted by reports of people vomiting blood and related deaths.
The condition has been affecting the communities for years
A review of the medical records of one deceased patient revealed advanced liver complications, including portal hypertension and oesophageal varices, which can cause severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
“In short, I want to say we have got two types of bilharzia, the one that goes into the bladder and bilharzia that goes into the intestines.
“That is the one that goes to block the portal system in the liver and cause pressure, which can cause what is called varicose veins and lead to bleeding.
“That is commonly found in huge bodies of water which is Kariba Dam. You find those types of snails that cause that problem.
“The findings suggested that chronic schistosomiasis with advanced liver complications may have contributed to some of the reported cases of vomiting blood and associated deaths.
“However, the available evidence did not establish the cause of every reported death,” said Dr Mombeshora.
Dr Mombeshora said the Ministry intervened with mass drug administration using Praziquantel, targeting eligible populations in affected communities, including school-aged children and individuals who might be infected but had not developed symptoms.
The country distributed approximately 78 million treatments for neglected tropical diseases, including bilharzia, over the past 10 years.
In addition, affected patients requiring clinical management have been assessed for appropriate interventions, including propranolol prophylaxis where clinically indicated to reduce portal pressure and the risk of bleeding from esophageal varices.
Dr Mombeshora indicated that patients with advanced complications require specialist assessment and management.
“In 2019, individuals experiencing vomiting blood were referred to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital for specialist assessment.
“Their condition was found to involve advanced complications requiring specialist procedures to control bleeding and manage portal hypertension”.
“It is important to emphasise that Praziquantel treats the underlying infection but cannot reliably reverse established liver fibrosis, portal hypertension or other advanced complications.
“Early diagnosis and treatment are therefore essential to prevent progression to severe disease,” he said.
The Ministry has also strengthened community awareness and health education to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding the cause of the illness.
Initially, some community members believed that those affected had been bewitched, resulting in some families delaying seeking medical attention while others reportedly moved away from their villages rather than accessing health services.
Community engagement has been important in promoting understanding of bilharzia, encouraging early health-seeking behaviour and reducing stigma. “As part of the Ministry’s ongoing response, a multidisciplinary team comprising specialist surgeons, physicians, epidemiologists and psychologists will visit the area to conduct a further assessment of the situation and the health needs of the affected communities.
“The assessment will help identify individuals requiring continued medical treatment, specialist review and referral for advanced care. The team will also assess the epidemiological situation, review the needs of affected patients and provide appropriate psychological support to patients, families and the wider community.
“The visit will inform the planning and implementation of continued medical interventions and strengthen coordination between community-level health services and referral facilities. The Ministry continues to conduct mass treatment campaigns in Nyaminyami District and other affected districts for the years 2026 and 2027.
“Additional resources are being mobilised to support another round of mass drug administration and strengthen ongoing control efforts.
“Mass drug administration remains our principal preventive intervention, complemented by appropriate clinical management, community awareness, improved sanitation, access to safe water and timely referral of patients with complications,” he said.
