70 Cholera Cases as Health authorities ramp up response to Kariba Cholera outbreak

By Dr Masimba Mavaza

KARIBA – Health authorities in Kariba District are grappling with a cholera outbreak that has seen 70 suspected cases reported since the first detection on 4 November. According to the latest update from district health facilities, five new suspected cases were recorded in the past 24 hours, with three testing positive through rapid diagnostic tests (RDT).

The outbreak began in Gatche Gatche, where a 35-year-old woman became the first fatality. Cumulatively, there has been one suspected death, with a case fatality rate of 1.4%. The recovery rate stands at 98.6%, and no new culture-confirmed cases were reported.

Authorities have intensified their response, including administering oral cholera vaccines (OCV) to over 1,000 people in affected areas. Community engagement campaigns are underway, emphasizing hygiene practices such as handwashing. Non-food items, including soap and water purification tablets, have been distributed, and law enforcement is working to regulate the movement of fish and inspect food quality to curb the spread.

The outbreak highlights the critical need for clean water and sanitation infrastructure, said a situational report on the matter, adding that efforts are ongoing to repair boreholes, inspect latrines, and disinfect affected households.

Health officials have urged vigilance, particularly in Ward 2, where surveillance continues. The public has been encouraged to report symptoms of acute watery diarrhea and seek immediate medical attention.