By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
A cholera outbreak in the Mazowe District of Mashonaland Central has raised alarm following the confirmation of 104 cases, including one reported death, linked to inadequate access to clean drinking water.
The outbreak, which has been attributed to high levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli) found in all shallow wells in the Glendale Highway suburb, poses a critical public health threat in the region.
Government intervention has been initiated to contain the situation, with Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Sleiman Kwidini, leading a team of health officials, including Permanent Secretary Dr. Aspect Maunganidze, in assessing the impact at Tsungubvi Clinic and surrounding communities.
Health authorities have expressed concern that prolonged periods of water shortages have forced residents to rely on shallow wells, which, while affordable, are heavily contaminated due to leaking sewer pipes situated nearby.
Dr. Clemence Tshuma, the provincial medical director, noted the serious risks associated with this contamination.
“Sewer and water pipes run parallel underground, which leads to contamination during leakages. Ultimately, people are being supplied with contaminated water,” said Dr. Tshuma.
He also raised concerns about the rising instances of open defecation and blocked sewage systems due to solidified waste, further exacerbating the sanitary crisis.
Testing of the shallow wells revealed the presence of fecal matter, leading health officials to urgently advise residents to boil water and use water purification tablets like Aquatabs.
Despite these measures, the lack of reliable access to tap water continues to fuel the outbreak.
In response to the urgent health threat, over 5,000 individuals have already been vaccinated, with efforts ongoing to protect the community.
A cholera treatment center has been established at Tsungubvi Clinic, with oral rehydration therapy made available at the Mazowe Flowers farm compound.
Deputy Minister Kwidini further stressed the importance of avoiding untreated drinking water, urging the public to boil water or use purification tablets as preventive measures.
“We aim to contain this outbreak to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the province and the country. We believe that two weeks is sufficient to control the disease,” stated Kwidini.
The recurrent outbreaks of cholera in Zimbabwe underscore an urgent need for permanent solutions rather than temporary measures.