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THE City of Harare has confirmed seven cholera cases, and 21 suspected cases, mainly in Budiriro, Glen View and Mt Pleasant Heights.
Budiriro has four confirmed cases, Glen View 3 has two while one is from Mt Pleasant Heights.
The country recorded its first cholera case, since the 2018 outbreak, three months ago.
As of Saturday, the cumulative suspected cholera cases were 588, with 550 recoveries and four deaths.
Matabeleland South and Manicaland provinces continue to have the highest number of suspected cases to date, with 195 cases (33,2 percent) and 161 cases (27,4), respectively.
Health Services director, Dr Prosper Chonzi, urged residents to be on high alert.
“We need to be on high alert even in areas where there are no cases recorded, people should know that this is a faecal orally transmitted disease hence only get sick if you eat or drink something that is contaminated with the vibrio cholerae which is the bacteria that causes cholera,” he said.
“It is so easy to drink water that is contaminated from shallow wells, boreholes or other sources, so it is important to treat all water by boiling or using aqua tablets so that we denature the bacteria.”
Dr Chonzi said cholera is a preventable disease so it is important to practice good hygiene and sanitation everywhere.
He said in the areas where cases have been recorded vaccinations are available at City clinics.
“If you feel you are at high risk you can get to the clinics and get vaccinated, treatment of all diarrhea cases and abdominal discomfort is for free at council clinics.
“The medicines are there at the clinics, aqua tablets are there at the clinics as well as other medicines.
“If someone has cholera there is no room for oral rehydration at home, get to the clinic and get treated.
“Incubation period is usually hours to five days. “For children it can be very fast, you can lose a child in less than two hours.”
Online Reporter