By Yvonne Mutambwa
A cholera outbreak is threatening the resort town of Kariba, in Mashonaland West province, where one person has died, and 14 others are suspected to be suffering from the bacterial disease.
Following the announcement of cholera outbreak in Gatche Gatche, ward 2, made by the Kariba District Development Coordinator (DDC) and District Civil Protection Unit Chairperson, Mr Desmond Anele Gumbochuma on Friday evening, the District Medical Officer, Dr Godwin Muza released the District Cholera Situational Report as of 10 November 2024.
The Kariba District Cholera Situational Report shows that the district recorded 4 new suspected cholera cases in Gatche Gatche.
The new cases were admitted and receiving treatment. In addition, the report also reflects that the district recorded 1 cumulative death.
The burial of the index case was done under the supervision of the environmental health personnel.
In total, the district has 14 cumulative suspected cases of cholera, and a case fatality rate of 7%.
The cumulative number is escalating and it is a cause of concern given the fact that people are highly mobile. Gatche Gatche has a fishing camp and people from all walks of life visit the area for fish and kapenta, hence the need to contain the situation.
The District Medical Officer stated that the cumulative cases are coming from the same village and adjacent households. Therefore community cholera awareness was done and ongoing in ward 2.
The report also showed that risk communication and community engagement were being rolled out and extended to surrounding villages and fishing camps.
In terms of water sanitation and hygiene, inspection of water points including the health facility borehole, which also serves the affected community, was done. According to the report, distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) is ongoing.
Items being given include gloves, aprons, plastic covers and surgical masks. These items are being given to relatives and villages health workers during burial.
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