The Ministry of Health and Child Care has warned the public of an increased risk of cholera following recent heavy rains and ongoing flooding across the country.
The ministry emphasised the critical importance of strictly adhering to preventive measures.
These include drinking treated water, practicing good hygiene, and seeking immediate medical attention for symptoms such as watery diarrhoea and vomiting.
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease transmitted through contaminated food or water.
If not treated promptly, it can lead to severe dehydration and may be fatal within a short period.
It further urged citizens to “purchase food from approved and certified sources, wash fruits and vegetables with clean water, use safe sanitation facilities, and maintain good personal and environmental hygiene.”
“Seek immediate medical attention for watery diarrhoea, vomiting, or signs of dehydration.”
Zimbabwe has a history of severe cholera outbreaks, most notably in 2008-2009 which resulted in over 4 000 deaths, and again in 2018-2019.
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In an interview, Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) executive director Itai Rusike said limited access to safe water drives people to unsafe shallow wells, exposing them to cholera.
“With limited safe and portable water from local authorities, the rainy season brings relief as water becomes available — albeit from unsafe sources like the shallow wells that have become the alternative for many households,” Rusike said.
The ultimate solution is to provide safe water universally and improve sanitation.
“Inadequate access to safe water and sanitation is a major source of disease outbreaks such as cholera during the rainy season, which carries a high risk of flooding.”
He added that poor infrastructure makes urban areas particularly unhealthy during rains, significantly increasing disease risk.
“Aging and unrepaired sewer systems, waste blockages due to poor collection, illegal dumps, and overflowing septic tanks make urban households very vulnerable to unhealthy environments in the rainy season,” he noted.
Rusike emphasised the need to observe cholera preventative measures at all times.
Medical practitioner Johannes Marisa echoed the high-risk assessment, linking it directly to flooding and poor drainage, which contaminate water sources.
“Indeed, yes. Cholera is prevented by safe water, good sanitation, and hygiene,” said Marisa.
“There are high chances of water contamination with the flooding and poor drainage systems we are currently witnessing.
“It’s wise to keep our eyes open for cholera.”
The disease remains a persistent public health threat, often exacerbated by seasonal rains, inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure, and rapid urbanization.
