60 cases identified in two weeks – RT in French

A cholera outbreak has hit the Mazowe Flowers farm, located in Mashonaland Central province, near Zimbabwe’s capital Harare, according to state media. The Herald newspaper reported that one death and 60 confirmed cases have been recorded since its spread began on December 21.

The Mazowe Flowers residential complex, where the outbreak began, illustrates the infrastructure challenges: a single borehole, one tap for all residents and rudimentary sanitation facilities. The nearby Glendale Highway neighborhood was not spared, as sewer overflows contaminated shallow wells, worsening the health crisis.

Faced with this alarming situation, the Ministry of Health and Child Protection has deployed rehydration centers in affected areas and intensified hygiene awareness campaigns through door-to-door actions. In addition, surveillance measures have been put in place to control public gatherings and the activities of food vendors.

Takura Mzorodzi, provincial health promotion officer, called for concerted action by local authorities to ensure reliable access to drinking water and improve the management of sanitation infrastructure. “Regular waste collection and maintenance of sewage systems are essential to prevent future outbreaks,” he stressed, recalling that contamination of water sources remains a key factor in the spread of cholera.

Constant epidemic

Zimbabwe had recorded 15,571 cases of cholera and 347 deaths since the start of the epidemic in February 2023 and until January 5, 2024, according to UNICEF. The United Nations Fund indicates that an upsurge in cholera cases took place during the holidays, amplified by massive population displacements and the start of the rainy season.

Cholera, an acute diarrheal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacteria Vibrio cholerae, is experiencing a worrying resurgence, according to the UN, particularly in southern Africa and parts of the Horn of Africa. Africa.