Cholera case confirmed in Marange

The Ministry of Health and Child Welfare says the cholera outbreak remains localised in Chiredzi though a single case has been reported in Masarakufa village in Marange.

The Ministry, which is on high alert following reports of cholera cases in Chiredzi, says one suspected case has been reported in Masarakufa village in Marange and investigations are still being carried out by the medical surveillance teams in the area.

About 22 villagers from Chiredzi are feared to have contracted the deadly cholera bacteria though so far about 10 cases have been confirmed positive.

Epidemiology and Disease Control Director in the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, Dr Portia Manangazira says medical officers are on the ground for any suspected cases to avoid serious outbreaks witnessed in 2008.

"We are worried about the cases of cholera outbreaks that have affected Chiredzi and now reports are in Marange. We are investigating the cases to determine the cases so that we can determine the causes of the disease," Dr Manangazira said.
 
The outbreak of cholera in some parts of the country raises fears of a similar outbreak in 2008 which claimed many lives.

Government has since established a national response team to deal with the outbreaks.

The cholera outbreak has since been declared a national priority.

Lack of access to clean water and sanitation facilities has been cited as one of the major drivers of the diarrheal disease in Zimbabwe.