Cholera Strikes Again in Saimona, Mazowe Flowers

Bindura District is on high alert following a suspected cholera case at Takunda Clinic in Saimona Village 4A on the 31st of December 2024.

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The patient, had attended a funeral in the Mazowe Flowers area three days prior, is believed to have contracted the disease there.

This incident is particularly concerning as Mazowe Flowers is already experiencing a cholera outbreak with 12 confirmed cases out of the 65 recorded in Mazowe District as of 30 December. 1 death has been recorded so far. The outbreak is believed to have started around the festive season.

Dr Tonderai Chiwawa, the Bindura District Medical Officer, confirmed the case and its link to the ongoing outbreak in Mazowe Flower area.

“Sadly, we have admitted a suspected cholera case from Simoona village 4A at Takunda clinic,” Dr Chiwawa stated.

“The patient attended a funeral three days ago in the Mazowe Flowers area. We now have a cholera outbreak in the district.”

He emphasised the epidemiological link between the case and the Mazowe Flowers outbreak, urging residents to take precautions to prevent further spread.

These cases mark a worrying trend, as Mashonaland Central and other parts of Zimbabwe have experienced similar outbreaks in recent years, often around the festive season.

In 2023, a cholera outbreak began in Glendale on Christmas Eve and persisted into the middle of 2024. Previous years have also seen recurring outbreaks, highlighting the persistent challenges in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure in some communities.

Cholera Prevention Measures

Dr Chiwawa stressed the importance of basic hygiene practices to prevent cholera transmission.

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“We are urging everyone to wash their hands thoroughly after using the toilet with clean, soapy, running water,” he said. “Vegetables and fruits should be washed with clean running water before consumption, and food should be cooked thoroughly.”

He also advised against eating at gatherings and urged people to avoid gatherings altogether to minimise the risk of transmission.

“Cholera is spread by eating and or drinking faecally contaminated foods and drinks,” Dr Chiwawa explained. “It can also be spread through handshakes with cholera carriers, contaminated food, fluids, faeces, and flies.”

Early Detection and Treatment

Dr Chiwawa highlighted the importance of early detection and treatment of cholera. “We should alert the nearest health worker when we have a patient with vomiting and watery diarrhoea before transferring them,” he said.

“Cholera is treated where the patient is. This minimizes the risk of spreading.”

He urged anyone experiencing symptoms of cholera, such as vomiting and diarrhoea, to seek immediate medical attention.

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