MUTARE – Three cases of cholera have been recorded in Manicaland, but the Ministry of Health and Child Care insists the outbreak is contained.
Cholera has already killed 16 people in Harare, the outbreak there blamed on burst sewer pipes.
Manicaland Provincial Medical Director Patron Mafaune on Monday confirmed that two cases were recorded at Murambinda Hospital while the other one was recorded at Rusape General Hospital.
Mafaune said the cases were from people who had recently come from Harare.
“I can confirm that there have been cases of cholera in Murambinda and Rusape General hospitals. This has been attributed to movement of people,” she said.
“However, the situation is under control and people should not panic. As a province our team is on the ground tying to stay on top of the situation.”
She said her team was on high alert and urged people in the province to be cautious.
“I want to urge the people to take necessary caution. People must wash their hands after visiting the toilet. They should also wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating these,” she warned.
The outbreak in Manicaland comes in the heels of an outbreak that hit Harare over the weekend.
The outbreak has mainly been concentrated in Glen View and Budiriro suburbs, where all the 16 people died.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care said it was coordinating a national response to the outbreak, while the City of Harare’s health department is coordinating on the outbreak in Harare.
Chitungwiza, Midlands, Manicaland, Masvingo and Mashonaland Central provinces have since reported sporadic cases of cholera — all of which have since been traced back to Harare.
In Midlands, five cases were reported in Gokwe North — all involving members of one family.
