News / National
Filthy Harare records cholera case
09 Dec 2024 at 06:43hrs | Views
Harare has confirmed a cholera case in an irregular settlement near Long Cheng Plaza, prompting city officials to urge residents to help prevent the disease's spread.
City spokesperson Mr. Stanley Gama reported that the patient, a 29-year-old man, lives alone and relies on water from a nearby stream. Investigations suggest local contamination as the source of the infection, as the patient has no travel history.
"A cholera case has been detected at an irregular settlement near Long Cheng Plaza. The source is most likely local since there is no history of travel by the patient," said Mr. Gama.
Proactive Measures to Contain the Disease
Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume emphasized the city's commitment to preventing a cholera outbreak.
"The city is implementing robust measures to prevent a surge in cases, prioritizing public health and safety," said Mafume. "Currently, we are working with the Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare Ministry to relocate squatters to secure areas temporarily."
The Government is also focusing on creating regular settlements equipped with essential facilities such as clean water and proper sanitation to mitigate the risk of waterborne diseases.
Cholera Concerns Across Zimbabwe
The confirmed case in Harare follows a cholera-related death in Kariba last month, underscoring the ongoing public health challenges posed by the disease in Zimbabwe.
Authorities are ramping up efforts to address issues of water and sanitation, along with health education initiatives in communities, to curb further outbreaks.
Residents are encouraged to practice good hygiene, avoid using unsafe water sources, and report any suspected cholera cases to health authorities immediately.
City spokesperson Mr. Stanley Gama reported that the patient, a 29-year-old man, lives alone and relies on water from a nearby stream. Investigations suggest local contamination as the source of the infection, as the patient has no travel history.
"A cholera case has been detected at an irregular settlement near Long Cheng Plaza. The source is most likely local since there is no history of travel by the patient," said Mr. Gama.
Proactive Measures to Contain the Disease
Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume emphasized the city's commitment to preventing a cholera outbreak.
The Government is also focusing on creating regular settlements equipped with essential facilities such as clean water and proper sanitation to mitigate the risk of waterborne diseases.
Cholera Concerns Across Zimbabwe
The confirmed case in Harare follows a cholera-related death in Kariba last month, underscoring the ongoing public health challenges posed by the disease in Zimbabwe.
Authorities are ramping up efforts to address issues of water and sanitation, along with health education initiatives in communities, to curb further outbreaks.
Residents are encouraged to practice good hygiene, avoid using unsafe water sources, and report any suspected cholera cases to health authorities immediately.
Source - The Herald
