Govt takes measures to contain cholera outbreak

THE Ministry of Health and Child Care in Midlands Province has set up raft of measures to deal with cholera outbreak in the province after two cases of the disease were reported in Gokwe.

The outbreak of cholera in the country has claimed 20 lives.

In an interview, Midlands provincial medical director Dr Simon Nyadundu said the province is on high alert and a rapid response team has been set up to deal with the deadly disease.

“As the province we have stepped up surveillance and monitoring of patients following the outbreak. A rapid response team has been set up, to step up the fight against this deadly disease,” he said.

Dr Nyadundu said the ministry is also conducting case tracing, whereby they trace who the patients have been in contact with and where.

“We are also tracing people who have been in contact with patients to determine if they were infected or not.

“We have also established two treatment camps at Gumunyu and Siemchembu area in Gokwe North District,” he said.

Dr Nyadundu encouraged people to quickly rush to clinics or hospitals if they have symptoms similar to those of cholera.

“I would like to encourage people to quickly rush to clinic if they present symptoms that are similar to cholera symptoms. I also encourage people from the province to practice good health. They should wash their hands thoroughly with soap before handling any food.