Sydney Mubaiwa
MIDLANDS BUREAU

KWEKWE – Midlands Provincial Medical Director (PMD) Dr Mary Muchekeza has said that the province recorded a cholera death at Kwekwe General Hospital on Monday.
She said the province is on high alert for cholera cases and urged communities not to panic. Dr Muchekeza also urged communities to practice good hygiene.
“I can confirm receiving a suspected cholera death at Kwekwe General Hospital this week. The patient exhibited symptoms consistent with cholera. A rapid diagnostic test came back positive. We also sent samples to Gweru to confirm with the laboratory,” she said.
She added that healthcare facilities in the province are being equipped to provide prompt treatment to suspected and confirmed cholera cases.
“We are still on top of the situation and we can remain on top of it if people do not panic and do as they are told by health personnel. We understand the seriousness of the situation and we are committed to taking all necessary measures to contain the outbreak.
“Our healthcare facilities are equipped to provide prompt treatment to all suspected and confirmed cholera cases and our medical staff are being trained to contain the outbreak,” she said.

The country had recorded 5 338 cholera cases with 5 090 recoveries as of October 21, 2023. Manicaland and Harare metropolitan provinces contributed the highest number of cases with 2 524 and 1 654 cumulative cases respectively.
The outbreak has now spread to more than the 17 traditional cholera hotspot districts of Buhera, Chegutu, Chikomba, Chimanimani, Chipinge, Chitungwiza, Chiredzi, Harare, Gokwe North, Marondera, Mazowe, Shamva, Mutare, Murehwa, Mwenezi, Seke and Wedza.