Zimbabwe – Cholera hits Chiadzwa

Jul 29 2010

A cholera outbreak has erupted in the highly militarised Chiadzwa diamond fields sparking fears of an epidemic amid reports that 78 people have been admitted into hospitals in Mutare, NewsDay can exclusively reveal.

Hundreds were reportedly flocking to makeshift emergency health camps following an outbreak of the deadly and highly contagious cholera epidemic in the area amid a tense stand-off between security personnel cordoning off the diamond fields and the surrounding community.

According to the Health and Child Welfare ministry the outbreak was detected last Sunday.

Provincial Medical Director for Manicaland Dr Milton Chemhuru yesterday confirmed the outbreak but said the pandemic had not reached crisis levels.

Tents had been set up at camps scattered around Chiadzwa diamond fields said Chemhuru. He said not more than 10 people had been admitted there.

“Yes, there is an outbreak, but my staff is very good at controlling the disease and I am sure we are in control of the situation,” Chemhuru said. “We have taken in 79 patients at Mutare district centre situated in the Chiadzwa area but no deaths have been reported. Camps have been set up where tents have been pitched to take in patients.”

Chemhuru said there was another outbreak in other parts of the province, such as Buhera. Cholera treatment camps had been set up at Zangana, Chapinduka, Mutiusinazita and Gunura, he said.

Health minister Henry Madzorera said he was not yet aware of the outbreak because he only received bulletins from the provinces once a week.

“Call the PMD (Provincial Medical Director),” the minister said. “He is the man on the ground and would be able to give you the details you want. I only get bulletins once a week and I have not received any for this week.”

http://www.newsday.co.zw/article/2010-07-29-cholera-hits-chiadzwa