20 Nov 2023 | 02:21 PM UTC
Zimbabwe: Elevated cholera activity reported in Harare, especially Kuwadzana, through November /update 1
Elevated cholera activity reported in Harare, Zimbabwe, through November. Kuwadzana is most affected. Use food and water precautions.
Health authorities have declared a state of emergency in Harare, Zimbabwe following a surge in cholera activity in September, with 2,236 suspected cases (210 confirmed cases) reported as of Nov. 16. This is compared to the 135 cases reported in Zimbabwe for 2022. Kuwadzana is most affected, accounting for nearly 50 percent of reported cases. Other areas reporting high disease activity includes Glen View, Glen Norah and Budiriro. Local health authorities are coordinating efforts to scale up access to clean water and sanitation facilities in affected areas. This report represents the most complete data available as of Nov. 20.
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.
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. As of Nov. 16, 7,751 suspected cases have been reported nationwide, of which 1,268 are confirmed cases. 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.
