2018–2019 Zimbabwe cholera outbreak

2018–2019 Zimbabwe cholera outbreak

Cholera bacteria SEM.jpg Scanning electron microscope image of Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium that causes cholera
Disease	[[Cholera|Cholera]]
Virus strain	[[|{{{virus_strain}}}]]
Origin	[[|{{{origin}}}]]
Date	September 2018 – March 2019
Confirmed cases	10,421
Deaths	69
This disease outbreak related article is a stub.

The 2018–2019 Zimbabwe cholera outbreak was a significant public health crisis that occurred in Zimbabwe between September 2018 and March 2019. The outbreak primarily affected the capital city, Harare, and was caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which is transmitted through contaminated water and food.

Background

Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. The disease is often spread through contaminated water sources, and outbreaks are common in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean drinking water. Zimbabwe has faced several cholera outbreaks in the past, with a major outbreak occurring in 2008–2009.

Outbreak Details

The 2018–2019 outbreak was first reported in early September 2018 in the densely populated suburbs of Harare, including Glen View and Budiriro. The outbreak quickly spread due to inadequate water supply, poor sanitation infrastructure, and the use of contaminated boreholes and wells.

Response

The Zimbabwean government declared a state of emergency on September 11, 2018, to mobilize resources and coordinate efforts to contain the outbreak. The Ministry of Health and Child Care, with support from international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, implemented measures to improve water quality, provide medical treatment, and educate the public about hygiene practices.

Challenges

Efforts to control the outbreak were hampered by several challenges, including:

• **Infrastructure**: The country's water and sanitation infrastructure was inadequate, with many areas lacking access to clean water and proper sewage systems.
• **Economic Constraints**: Zimbabwe was facing an economic crisis, limiting the government's ability to fund public health initiatives.
• **Public Awareness**: There was a need for increased public awareness and education on hygiene practices to prevent the spread of the disease.

Impact

By the end of the outbreak in March 2019, there were 10,421 confirmed cases and 69 deaths. The outbreak highlighted the urgent need for improvements in water and sanitation infrastructure in Zimbabwe to prevent future outbreaks.

Prevention and Future Measures

To prevent future outbreaks, it is essential to:

• Improve water supply and sanitation infrastructure.
• Increase public health education and awareness campaigns.
• Strengthen the healthcare system to respond more effectively to outbreaks.

Also see

• Cholera
• 2008–2009 Zimbabwe cholera outbreak
• Public health in Zimbabwe
• Water supply and sanitation in Zimbabwe