In a follow-up on the cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe, health officials are reporting a total of 3349 suspected cases (71 confirmed) including 32 deaths since the beginning of the outbreak on Sept. 1.
This outbreak is evolving rapidly and affecting mainly Harare city (98% of all cases). The main affected areas in Harare are Glenview and Budiriro. The Zimbabwean government have declared cholera as a disaster in Harare City.
Cases epi-linked to this outbreak have been reported recently across the country in the following provinces: Chitungwiza City, Mashonaland Central province (Shamva District), Midlands province (Gokwe North), Manicaland province (Buhera District, Mutare City and Makoni District), Masvingo province and Epworth.
The World Health Organization said the key risk factors for cholera in Zimbabwe are the deterioration of sanitary and health infrastructures and increasing rural-urban migration adding pressure to the water and sanitation infrastructure.
In Harare, contaminated water from boreholes and wells are suspected to be the source of the outbreak. The water supply situation in Harare remains dire due to the high demand for drinking water that is not being met by the city supply.
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