Zimbabwe has recorded one hundred deaths suspected to be cholera-related and over five thousand possible cases since late last month, prompting the government to impose restrictions to curb the disease’s spread.
The Ministry of Health stated that 30 cholera-related deaths have been confirmed through laboratory tests, with 905 confirmed cases and an additional 4,609 suspected cases.
In some of the hardest-hit areas in parts of the Manicaland and Masvingo provinces, large gatherings at funerals have been banned, a common practice in the southern African nation where people come together to mourn the deceased.
The government has restricted funerals to no more than 50 attendees, and citizens are urged to avoid handshakes and the sharing of food at funerals.
Additionally, the government has advised citizens to refrain from going to open markets and attending some social gatherings and outdoor church camps where there is typically limited sanitary infrastructure.
Cholera is a waterborne disease that can spread rapidly in areas with poor sanitation, often resulting from the consumption of contaminated water or food. Zimbabwe has been struggling to access clean water.
The situation has raised concerns about the health and safety of Zimbabweans, and authorities are taking steps to mitigate the outbreak and prevent further infections.
