Staff Reporter

Sidhakeni area, Zhombe has been identified as a cholera hotspot following three suspected deaths and over 100 cases  in April this year.

Speaking during a media engagement Midlands Province Medical Director Dr Mary Muchekeza said Sidhakeni had become the new hotspot.

The province recently identified a new hotspot in Kwekwe District, Dr Muchekeza said.
“Sidhakeni area in Kwekwe District has been identified as the new cholera hotspot after cases went beyond 100 in April with three suspected deaths. The cases seem to be linked to cases happening in Kadoma an area that was dealing with cholera,” she said.

She said the key drivers of the cholera outbreak have been identified as open defecation, poor hygiene and poor water and sanitation with most of the small-scale miners lacking the necessary infrastructure such as toilets and safe water.
Dr Muchekeza said more than a 1000 cases were recorded in the province since last year.

“Fifty-one people have succumbed to cholera, while a further 1 137 cases have been recorded in the Midlands Province since the disease was detected in December last year,” she said.

She said most of the cases are coming from mining communities like Zvishavane, Shurugwi and Mberengwa.

Member of Parliament for Zhombe Edmore Samambwa last week confirmed the cholera cases and said health officials are on the ground to contain the cases.

“Health officials are currently on the ground to contain the situation and make sure there are no further cases,” he said.