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Thandeka Moyo-Ndlovu, [email protected] 

BULAWAYO has recorded its first cholera case after a pupil from Mzilikazi High School was confirmed to have contracted the waterborne disease which has so far claimed several lives in the country. 

Since a national outbreak was recorded on February 12, Bulawayo was the only province that was free from cholera until this case. 

Zimbabwe has so far recorded more than 2 000 cases, 1 942 recoveries and 15 deaths, reflecting a case fatality rate of 2,3 percent. 

Cumulative 154 317 suspected cholera cases have been reported on the African continent, with 2 747 deaths, reflecting a case fatality rate of 1,78 percent.

Cholera has affected 14 countries in southern Africa that have been affected by climate-induced natural disasters such as cyclone and flooding. Drought in the Horn of Africa has led to an increase in cases of cholera in most of the affected countries. All 10 provinces in Zimbabwe have reported cholera suspected cases. Manicaland, Harare and Matabeleland South Provinces contribute 83 percent of the country’s cases. Cholera confirmed deaths have been recorded in Harare (3), Manicaland (8), Mashonaland Central (2), Mashonaland West (1) and Masvingo (1).

Bulawayo province has the least cases with four suspected, one confirmed and no death. 

Bulawayo Health Service Director Dr Edwin Sibanda confirmed the reported case adding that the pupil was admitted to Thorngrove Infectious Disease Hospital and is in a stable condition.

Dr Sibanda said contact tracing of the pupil’s contacts has started and that council continued to be on alert given the prevailing water challenges prevailing in the city. 

“The pupil was discharged and is under Umguza in terms of residence but we remain vigilant. We managed this case on behalf of Matabeleland North our sister province. We can manage 50 or so cases without asking for help and we remain vigilant,” said Dr Sibanda. 

He said the patient resides at Lookout Masuku Barracks and is a student at Mzilikazi High School.

“The contacts were also admitted and we continue being vigilant. The young lady is stable and our message is that cholera is real, we may not have it in Bulawayo but someone can bring it from outside,” said Dr Sibanda.

The 17 cholera hotspot districts in the country are Buhera, Chegutu, Chikomba, Chimanimani, Chipinge, Chitungwiza, Chiredzi, Harare, Gokwe North, Marondera, Mazowe, Shamva, Mutare, Murehwa, Mwenezi, Seke and Wedza according to the Ministry of Health and Child Care. 

“To date suspected and confirmed cases have been reported in all the 10 provinces but the cases have no epidemiological link to each other. As of Monday, a cumulative total of 2 130 suspected cholera cases, 15 laboratory-confirmed deaths, 33 suspected cholera deaths and 505 laboratory-confirmed cases were reported,” read the report. 

Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by bacteria. This occurs when one consumes food and water contaminated with cholera bacteria. Cholera causes severe dehydration, and diarrhoea and can lead to death.

It affects both children and adults and can kill within hours if untreated. Most people infected with cholera do not develop any symptoms although the bacteria can be present in their feces for 1-10 days after infection and are shed back into the environment, potentially infecting other people

In his post Cabinet briefing yesterday, Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said in light of the continued increase in cholera cases, Government has resolved that the multi-sectoral approach to responding to the cholera outbreak be continued with a focus to address water and sanitation.

He said the Ministry of Health and Child Care working closely with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, will intensify timely releases of funds to facilitate the cholera comprehensive response.