The Ministry of Health and Child Care has released the weekly disease surveillance report for the week ending January 19, 2025.
According to the Ministry, a total of 6,958 cases of common diarrhoea were reported, resulting in 6 deaths. The fatalities occurred in various regions: 2 at Sally Mugabe Hospital in Harare, 1 in Bikita District (Masvingo), 1 in Mutoko District (Mashonaland East), 1 in Mazowe District (Mashonaland Central), and 1 in Kwekwe District (Midlands). Among the reported cases, 3,040 were in children under the age of 5. The provinces with the highest case numbers were Manicaland (1,029) and Mashonaland West (988). Cumulatively, there have been 19,441 cases and 12 deaths related to common diarrhoea.
In the case of malaria, 1,048 new cases and 5 deaths were reported. The fatalities were spread across Mutare District (Manicaland), Sanyati District (Mashonaland West), Chiredzi District (Masvingo), and two hospitals in Harare—Sally Mugabe Hospital and Parirenyatwa Hospital. Of the malaria cases, 12.5% (131 cases) were in children under five years old. The highest numbers were reported in Manicaland (665 cases) and Mashonaland West (133 cases). Cumulative figures for malaria stand at 2,186 cases and 9 deaths.
Anthrax cases were reported in Gokwe North District (5 cases), Gokwe South District (1 case), and Sanyati District (1 case). There were no reported deaths, and cumulative figures for anthrax cases are now 19, with no fatalities.
Measles saw 4 new suspected cases, with reports coming from Mashonaland West (1 case), Mashonaland East (1 case), and Harare Metropolitan Province (2 cases). The total number of suspected measles cases is now 12, with no deaths.
There were 471 dysentery cases reported, along with 1 death from Hurungwe District in Mashonaland West. The highest case numbers were recorded in Mashonaland Central (108 cases) and Mashonaland West (82 cases). Cumulative cases for dysentery stand at 1,405, with 1 fatality.
One suspected typhoid case was reported, with no deaths. The cumulative number of suspected typhoid cases is now 2, with no deaths.
A total of 18 mumps cases were reported, with no fatalities. The highest number of cases came from Mashonaland West (6 cases), followed by Mashonaland East (3 cases) and Masvingo (3 cases). Cumulative figures for mumps are 41 cases, with no deaths.
There were no reported cases of Mpox this week, and the cumulative figures remain at zero.
A total of 736 dog bite cases were reported, with no fatalities. Of these, 180 were bitten by vaccinated dogs, 154 by unvaccinated dogs, and 402 by dogs of unknown vaccination status. Masvingo Province recorded the highest number of dog bite cases (124), followed by Manicaland (107). The cumulative total for dog bites is now 2,049, with no deaths, resulting in a case fatality rate (CFR) of 0%.
In terms of cholera, 13 suspected cases were reported, with no deaths. The suspected cases were from Mazowe District (12 cases) in Mashonaland Central and Kariba District (1 case) in Mashonaland West. The cumulative total for cholera now stands at 85 suspected cases and 1 suspected death.
Finally, influenza cases have risen to 2,535, with no reported deaths. Manicaland recorded the highest number of cases (847), followed by Mashonaland West (704). The cumulative number of suspected influenza cases is now 6,868, with no fatalities.

Pindula News

In the news, the Ministry of Health reported that there were many cases of diarrhoea, malaria, and other diseases in Zimbabwe. Over 6,900 cases of diarrhoea and 1,048 cases of malaria were recorded. Some people died, especially children. Other diseases like anthrax, measles, dysentery, typhoid, mumps, and dog bites were also reported, but no deaths. Cases of influenza also increased. In total, there were many sick people, but not many people died from these diseases. The Ministry is working to stop the diseases from spreading.

Weekly Disease Surveillance: Over 6,900 Diarrhoea Cases And 1,048 Malaria Cases Recorded

The Ministry of Health and Child Care has released the weekly disease report for the week ending on 12 January 2024.
The report highlights a total of 639 malaria cases and one death in Guruve. Notably, 10.3% of these cases involved children under five years old. The provinces with the highest number of cases were Manicaland with 354 and Mashonaland Central with 117. The cumulative figures now stand at 1,138 cases and four deaths.
This week, one suspected typhoid case was reported, with no deaths. The cumulative figures for typhoid are one suspected case, no deaths, and a case fatality rate (CFR) of 0%.
A total of 26 suspected cholera cases and one suspected death were reported this week. The suspected death occurred in Harare Province’s southern districts. Out of the suspected cases, 25 were from Mazowe District, and one was from Harare’s Southern District.
The cumulative figures for cholera are 72 suspected cases, one suspected death, and no confirmed deaths, with a cumulative CFR of 1.4%. All provinces and cities are expected to strengthen their Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) on surveillance, infection prevention and control (IPC), and case management.
This week also saw 188 dysentery cases with no deaths reported. The provinces with the highest number of clinical dysentery cases were Mashonaland Central with 96 and Mashonaland West with 92. The cumulative figures for dysentery are 934 cases and no deaths.
New anthrax cases were recorded, with three cases in Gokwe North District, two in Sanyati District, and two in Mwenezi District, bringing the cumulative figures to 12 cases and no deaths.
Furthermore, there were 6,506 common diarrhoea cases reported this week, resulting in seven deaths. The deaths were reported from Sally Mugabe Hospital (6) and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals (1) in Harare Metropolitan Province.

The Ministry of Health in Zimbabwe released a report on diseases. There were 639 malaria cases, with one death, most in Manicaland and Mashonaland Central. One typhoid case was reported with no deaths, and 26 cholera cases with one death. 188 cases of dysentery were reported with no deaths. New anthrax cases were recorded in various districts. Additionally, there were 6,506 cases of common diarrhoea with seven deaths in Harare Metropolitan Province. Health authorities are working to strengthen response teams for surveillance and prevention of these diseases.

Zimbabwe Health Update: Latest Figures on Malaria, Typhoid, Cholera, and Anthrax

The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) has released its latest Weekly Disease Surveillance Report for the week ending December 1, 2024, revealing 19 new anthrax cases with no reported deaths.
The cases were distributed as follows: Gokwe South District (6), Gokwe North District (8) in Midlands Province, Sanyati District (3) in Mashonaland West Province, and Bikita District (2) in Masvingo Province. The cumulative total for anthrax cases now stands at 487, with zero deaths.
The Ministry also reported 428 malaria cases and two fatalities during the same week. The deaths occurred in Mutare District (1) in Manicaland Province and Binga District (1) in Matabeleland North Province. Among the reported malaria cases, 75 (17.5%) were found in children under five years of age.
The provinces with the highest malaria case counts were Manicaland (168) and Mashonaland Central (105), bringing the cumulative figures for malaria to 39,465 cases and 88 deaths.
The report also indicated three suspected cases of typhoid, with no deaths reported. These suspected cases were recorded in Northern District (1) and Sally Mugabe Central Hospital (2) in Harare Province, resulting in a cumulative total of 265 suspected typhoid cases and zero deaths.
Lastly, the report highlighted 7,153 cases of common diarrhoea, which resulted in seven deaths. The fatalities were reported from various locations: Sally Mugabe Central Hospital (2), Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals (1), and Ruwa Local Board (1) in Harare Metropolitan Province, as well as UBH (2) in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province and Kwekwe District (1) in Midlands Province.
Notably, 59% of the diarrhoea cases involved children under five years old, with the highest numbers reported in Mashonaland East (1,099) and Mashonaland West (1,414). The cumulative figures for common diarrhoea now stand at 335,191 cases and 171 deaths.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Anthrax is spreading in the Midlands area of Zimbabwe, with 19 new cases but no deaths reported. Other diseases like malaria, typhoid, and common diarrhea are also affecting people in different provinces. Malaria cases are highest in Manicaland and Mashonaland Central, with 88 deaths in total. There are 3 suspected typhoid cases but no deaths. For common diarrhea, 7,153 cases were recorded, with 171 deaths. Children under five are most affected by these diseases. Overall, the situation highlights the importance of healthcare and disease prevention in the country.

Anthrax Spreads In Midlands

Six (6) people died while almost 7 000 diarrhoeal cases were recorded countrywide in one week last month.
According to the weekly disease surveillance report for the week ended January 22, 2023, released by the Ministry of Health and Childcare on Friday, 6 894 common diarrhoea cases were recorded. It said:
<blockquote>
A total of 6 894 common diarrhoea cases and four deaths were reported this week. The deaths were reported from Sally Mugabe Central Hospital (2), Mangwe District (1) and Gwanda District (1).
Of the reported cases, 3 076 were from under the age of five. The provinces with the highest number of cases are Mashonaland East province (1 223) and Manicaland province (1 138).
The cumulative figures are 20 299 cases and six deaths.
</blockquote>
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200007000/6-succumb-to-diarrhoea">NewsDay</a>, Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) president Enock Dongo blamed poor service delivery by local authorities for the diarrhoeal cases. Dongo said:
<blockquote>
It has always been the case that during the rainy season, people will be very vulnerable to diarrhoeal diseases.
We are not really surprised especially looking at the lack of supplies of clean water by the local authorities across the country.
People resort to drawing water from wells that are getting contaminated by what is being washed by the rains. People drink that water.
Mangoes also lure houseflies, they are contributing to diarrhoea.
</blockquote>

Six People Succumb To Diarrhoea, 7 000 Cases Recorded

A diarrhoea outbreak has hit Harare, with more than 1 100 cases recorded between October 24 and November 20 2022.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/diarrhoea-outbreak-hits-harare">The Sunday Mail</a>, Harare City Council director of health services Dr Prosper Chonzi said that most cases are being recorded in high-density suburbs. Said Chonzi:
<blockquote>
We are recording about 250 to 270 cases of diarrhoea per week.
From October 24 to November 20, we recorded 1 115 cases. Cases of typhoid are still low, as we are recording between five and six cases every week.
These cases are mainly in high-density suburbs, where there is inadequate running water, no refuse collection and sewage bursts.
Currently, we are testing any suspected case of diarrhoea at all our clinics and we are offering treatment free of charge.
We have activated our rapid response team; we are very alert and we have initiated contact tracing on suspected cases.
</blockquote>
Chonzi said the City of Harare is working hard to avoid a cholera outbreak as happened in 2008 when more than 2 000 people were killed by the disease mainly in Glen View and Budiriro. He said:
<blockquote>
In hospitals and clinics that are treating diarrhoea, we have stockpiled requisite medicines and sundries.
We have also secured drips (intravenous fluid) and mobilised a number of environmental officers and community health workers so that they start home visits to see if there are no reported cases.
We are trying, by all means, to manage this because we do not want history to repeat itself like what happened in 2008.
</blockquote>
Chonzi said currently, no patients have been admitted to the hospital for treatment.

Diarrhoea Outbreak Hits Harare, Over 1 000 Cases Recorded

The City of Bulawayo is grappling with an outbreak of diarrhoea in several suburbs, with more than 1 200 cases recorded to date.
Speaking in an interview with <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/cases-of-diarrhoea-surge-in-bulawayo/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, council corporate communications manager, Nesisa Mpofu, said the first cases of diarrhoea were recorded in the Pumula suburb but the disease has since spread across the city. Said Mpofu:
<blockquote>
As of 06 September 2022, we have 1 213 cumulative cases reported. The first cases of diarrhoea were reported in July in ward 17 and have now spread to Nkulumane, Emakhandeni and Northern suburbs clinics.
</blockquote>
Affected suburbs include Pumula, Luveve, Nkulumane, Mzilikazi, and Tshabalala.
Mpofu said the council has come up with several interventions to combat the illness and stop it from spreading. She said:
<blockquote>
The City of Bulawayo is implementing a robust, context-specific emergency response mechanism that includes some of the following interventions; Active case finding, contact tracing, Health education, risk assessment, and waiver of BCC clinic charges on outbreak mode among others.
</blockquote>
Recently, the City of Bulawayo dismissed social media rumours that the city’s water was contaminated with sewage and not safe for consumption.
Meanwhile, Bulawayo is facing a water crisis with 72hours of water shedding or even longer.
On Friday, the council decommissioned Umzingwane Dam due to critically low water levels which have receded to just 6.6 per cent.

Diarrhoea Outbreak Hits Bulawayo

A government official has said that it is moving to contain the outbreak after several new cases in Pumula, Nkulumane, And Nketa within a single month.
The outbreak has, according to reports, been worsened by the erratic supply of water in the city in the past several weeks. The city is facing water shortages due to low dam levels and vandalism of the Epping forestry boreholes.
Commenting on outbreak containment measures, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Judith Ncube said:
<blockquote>
“We are facing an outbreak of diarrhoea in Bulawayo and as a government, we are moving in to contain the spread of the disease.
We do not want a repeat of what happened in Luveve, therefore, we have alerted the Civil Protection Unit on what is on the ground. Relevant stakeholders are now on the ground trying to contain the spread.
Moving forward, there will be water tanks installed in the affected areas to ensure people have stable water supplies.
Bulawayo Dam levels are at seven percent and you know the government drilled boreholes in Nyamandlovu, but vandalism of electricity infrastructures is affecting the pumping of water into the city. A total of 12 transformers have been vandalized and copper cables were stolen,”
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/govt-moves-in-to-contain-spread-of-diarrhoea-in-bulawayo/">ZBC</a>

Bulawayo Diarrhoea Outbreak Cases In Pumula, Nkulumane, And Nketa

In an interview with The Herald yesterday, Gweru City Council health director Mr Sam Sekenhamo said the diarrhoea outbreak at Thornhill High School which saw more than 60 pupils and members of staff being hospitalised, could have been as a result of contaminated borehole water that the school was using.
Said Sekanhamo:
<blockquote>According to the results, the borehole water at the school fell into category D in terms of Eco line population, which means it’s highly contaminated. We have thus prohibited the use of borehole water for drinking purposes at the school. When the outbreak was reported, we dispatched our rapid response team, which comprises city health officials, health experts from the office of the Provincial Medical Director as well as those from Gweru District. They are still on the ground and what we have established is that the outbreak did not spread outside the school,</blockquote>
Sekanhamo dismissed reports that the outbreak was caused by Gweru City Council water noting that the outbreak did not spread outside of Thornhill High.
More: <a href="http://www.herald.co.zw/diarrhoea-outbreak-hits-thornhill-high-school/">Herald</a>

Diarrhoea outbreak hits Thornhill High School, borehole water declared unsafe for drinking

Over 100 pupils at Thornhill and Guinea Fowl high schools in Gweru have been affected by diarrhoea. 
Some of the children have since been hospitalised. Reports from the two schools indicate that some pupils failed to sit for their “O” level Geography paper 1 and Accounts Paper 1 examinations because of the diarrhoea. Speaking to The Herald, Midlands provincial education director Mrs Agnes Gudo confirmed the outbreak and said that they are investigating the matter. Said Gudo:
<blockquote>Yes, we got information to the effect that there were school children at Thornhill and Guinea Fowl high schools in Gweru who have been affected by diarrhoea. Inspectors are on the ground looking into the matter and we hope we will have information as to what is happening and what is causing it. If it were only boarders, we could be saying the problem is at the schools, but day scholars have also been affected. I don’t have the exact number of the affected children right now.</blockquote>
More: <a href="http://www.herald.co.zw/diarrhoea-hits-100-pupils-in-gweru/">Herald</a>

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