Zimbabwe’s Kariba District in Mashonaland West Province has reported 70 suspected cholera cases and one death since the resurgence of the disease in early November, the Ministry of Health and Child Care announced on Monday.
In response, health authorities have administered oral cholera vaccines to 1,007 residents out of the targeted 2,553 in the district, which borders Zambia. Efforts are ongoing to curb the spread of the outbreak, including infection prevention measures and public awareness campaigns.
The latest outbreak follows the Zimbabwean government’s declaration in August ending a nationwide cholera outbreak that began in February 2023, which claimed hundreds of lives.
Health officials link the recurring cholera outbreaks to inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure in the country. The ministry emphasized that bolstering preventive measures is crucial to addressing the long-standing public health challenge.
Efforts to contain the outbreak in Kariba are being closely monitored, with local and international health partners supporting Zimbabwe’s fight against cholera.
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Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Cholera remains a global threat to public health and an indicator of inequity and lack of social development.
Cholera is an extremely virulent disease transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. Cholera can cause severe acute watery diarrhoea and the severe forms of the disease can kill within hours if left untreated.
Most people infected with V. cholerae do not develop any symptoms, although the bacteria are present in their faeces for one –10 days after infection and are shed back into the environment, potentially infecting other people.
Among people who develop symptoms, the majority have mild or moderate symptoms. It takes between 12 hours and 5 days for a person to show symptoms. A minority of patients develop acute watery diarrhoea with severe dehydration. This can lead to death if left untreated.
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