Zimbabwe: Elevated cholera activity reported nationwide through May /update 1

Event

Zimbabwean health authorities have reported elevated cholera activity nationwide, with an additional 639 cases reported May 17-28, bringing the total case count to 1,649 since Feb. 12. This is compared to the 135 cases reported for 2022. All of Zimbabwe’s ten provinces have reported disease activity, with the majority of cases reported from the Manicaland, Harare, Mashonaland West, and Mashonaland Central provinces. This represents the most complete data available as of June 6.

Context

The current cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe has been ongoing since Feb. 12, when one case was reported from the town of Chegutu, Mashonaland West Province. Health officials have attributed the outbreak to poor sanitation, contaminated water supplies, and cross-border mobility. Zimbabwean health officials reported 135 cases of cholera in 2022 and over 10,000 cases in 2018-2019.

Cholera is transmitted directly through food or water contaminated with fecal material from an infected person. Most infected people develop no symptoms or only mild diarrhea. However, approximately one in 10 infected people develop severe cholera, which causes symptoms including profuse, watery diarrhea, vomiting, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, muscle cramps, restlessness, or irritability. Symptoms typically appear two or three days after exposure but can develop up to five days after exposure. Individuals with severe cholera can develop acute renal failure, severe electrolyte imbalances, and coma. If left untreated, these can lead to shock and rapid death.

Advice

Consult a travel medicine provider regarding cholera vaccination before traveling to the country. Practice strict food and water precautions. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop within a week of being in areas of high cholera transmission.