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Water-borne diseases resurface
Phyllis Mbanje, The Standard (Zimbabwe)
September 29, 2013

http://www.thestandard.co.zw/2013/09/29/water-borne-diseases-resurface

Cases of water-borne diseases continue to increase countrywide, as most urban areas experience a critical shortage of running water.

At least nine people succumbed to water-borne diseases last week.

A Ministry of Health and Child Welfare weekly disease surveillance report, for week ending September 15 2013, indicates that 12 367 cases of diarrhoea and three deaths were recorded for that week.

The highest numbers of diarrhoea cases were in Manicaland and Masvingo provinces.

Four new suspected typhoid cases were reported in that same week in Chegutu district in Mashonaland West province.

The report also stated that 900 clinical dysentery cases were also reported for that period, with six confirmed deaths.

Of the reported cases, 267 [27,6%] and one death were from the under five years of age category.

The deaths were reported in Mazowe district in Mashonaland Central province, Makoni district in Manicaland province and Hwange district in Matabeleland North province.

The provinces which reported the highest number of dysentery cases were Manicaland with 163 and Masvingo with 158.

Helen Bvunzawabaya, a paediatrician operating from Harare’s Avenues said it was common for young children to be affected by diarrhoea during the summer season.

“In the absence of clean water, it is highly recommended that parents ensure that drinking water is boiled first before giving it to little children,” she said.

“Because of their high energy levels, they tend to require more water and if it is contaminated, they are likely to get the most of the infections.”

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