By Elizabeth Nyaguyo
Harare City Health Director Doctor Prosper Chonzi said cholera outbreak is on the rise in the capital city.
Chonzi said to date seven confirmed cases and over twenty cases have been recorded as suspected cases and most of these cases have been recorded in the western suburbs of Harare.
“We have an outbreak of cholera in the city of Harare and we now have 21 suspected cases and seven confirmed cases and these are mainly coming from the Western suburbs Budiriro has four, Glenview 3 has two, and one is from Mt pleasant heights,” he said
He went on to say that, people should take this seriously.
“We should take this outbreak seriously because it has the potential to spread like veld fire so we need to be on high alert and everywhere where they are no cases currently.
“People must practice good personal hygiene wash your hands before you eat anything wash your hands after using the toilet eat your food whilst it’s hot and avoid gatherings even buying food from any source which is not licensed.
“Cholera is a preventable disease so it is important to always practice good hygiene and sanitation everywhere including giving these messages to children,” he added.
Dr Chonzi urged people from the affected places to visit some of the nearest hospitals and clinics for vaccination purposes.
“In areas that have experienced positive cases vaccinations are available at the clinics if you feel that you are at high risk you can get to the nearest clinic and get vaccinated.
“Treatment of all diarrhoea cases all abdominal discomfort cases treatment is for free at the council clinics so you just go and we treat it as an emergency and the medications are there and even the drips.
“If someone has cholera usually there is no room for oral re-hydration but you can start at home but get to the nearest clinic where parental re-hydration will be administered at the clinic,” Dr Chonzi said.
He urged people to report anyone with symptoms related to cholera within their areas.
“If you identify anyone whether is somebody you stay with or somebody from the neighbourhood please let us know let the health inspectors know let the clinics know even political leadership know the idea is for us in the health sector know that there is someone with cholera and we take appropriate action,” he said.
