By Michael Gwarisa
Despite efforts by government and partners to contain the Cholera outbreak, an increased number of severe cases of the disease requiring hospital admission continue to be recorded throughout the country.
Severe Cholera symptoms according to the Centre for Diseases Control (CDC) include profuse watery diarrhea, sometimes described as “rice-water stools”, vomiting, thirst, leg cramps, restlessness or irritability and these may require hospitalisation.
According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) Daily Cholera Situtaion Report for January 1, 2024, a total 247 cases were hospitalized across health facilities in the districts where Cholera has been recorded.
However, an unusual trend has been noted in Chiredzi whereby all new 30 cases that were recorded on January 1 presented with severe symptoms and required facility admission.
At Chiredzi (30) patients were admitted, Mwenezi (24), Chivi (9), Bikita (5), Gutu (2) in Masvingo Province, Buhera (10), Mutare Rural (20),Chipinge (37), Chimanimani (6), in Manicaland Province, BRIDH (48), Chitungwiza City (14) in Harare Province, Zvishavane (7), in Midlands Province, Murehwa (1), UMP (1) Mash East Province, Mbire (7), Mazowe (16), Centenary (1) in Mash Central Province, Beitbridge (1) in Mat South Province and Kariba (5) Zvimba (1) Hurungwe (2) in Mash West Province,” said the Ministry of Health.
To date, 55 districts have reported cases so far in the country. As of 01 January 2024, 167 new suspected cholera cases (5) suspected deaths and (0) laboratory confirmed results were reported today.
“The cases were reported from Chiredzi (30), Kuwadzana (23), Glenview (17), Chipinge (17), BRIDH (14), Mutare (8), Mazowe (8), Mbire (7), Budiro (6), Rutsanana (6), Chitungwiza City (6), Chimanimani (5), Chivi (4), Bikita (3), Buhera (3), Kariba (2), Mwenezi (2), Highfield (2), UMP (1), Hurungwe (1) Chegutu (1) and Murehwa (1).”
From a total 1 936 RDT done Cumulative Tests done on January 1, 2024, 628 RDT positive (32.2 % positivity) and Culture 4 189 culture done, 1 735 culture positive (41.4 % positivity).
Meanwhile, 122 New recoveries were recorded, indicating a National Recovery Rate is of 96 % and cases in-care 247. Zimbabwe has to date recorded 14 688 suspected cholera cases, 1 735 confirmed cases, 14 116 recoveries,67 Confirmed deaths and 258 suspected deaths Case Fatality Rate (2.2%).
