A cholera outbreak that began in Chegutu town, Zimbabwe on February 12th has now spread to all ten provinces of the country, raising concerns about the worsening situation. The outbreak was initially confirmed by the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) on February 15th, with a second case reported on February 17th in the same town. In response, the government established a Cholera treatment center in Chegutu.

By February 26th, a total of 37 suspected cholera cases had been reported in Chegutu district, with 2 cases confirmed positive but no deaths. However, the situation took a turn for the worse, and as of April 18th, there had been a significant increase in cases. A total of 579 suspected cholera cases were reported, out of which 102 were culture confirmed. Unfortunately, the outbreak resulted in 9 deaths, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 1.6%.

What is particularly concerning is that the outbreak has now spread beyond Chegutu town, with cases reported from all ten provinces of Zimbabwe. Furthermore, there is no apparent epidemiological link between the cases, indicating a widespread and uncontrolled transmission of the disease. As of April 18th, there had been 168 Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) conducted, with 73 of them showing positive results (42% positivity). Similarly, out of 359 cultures conducted, 104 were positive (29% positivity).

Remarkably, this cholera outbreak occurred outside the usual rainy season, resembling a previous outbreak in 2018 that originated in the same town and spread to other hotspots in the country. To date, a total of 17 cholera hotspot districts in Zimbabwe have been severely affected, and the number of cases continues to rise.

The most recent Zimbabwe Cholera SitRep, dated May 28th, 2023, reveals the gravity of the situation. The report states a cumulative total of 1,649 suspected cholera cases, of which 423 have been confirmed. Additionally, there have been 1,528 recoveries, 11 confirmed deaths, and 33 suspected deaths.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) is actively working to address the outbreak and contain its spread. However, urgent and comprehensive measures are needed to curb the rising cases and prevent further loss of life.