Diarrhea Outbreak Claims Seven Lives, Infects Over 7,000 in One Week

A deadly diarrhea outbreak has struck Zimbabwe, claiming seven lives and infecting 7,153 people within a week. Children under five accounted for most fatalities.

The Health and Child Care Ministry confirmed the alarming figures. Poor sanitation and ongoing water shortages have exacerbated the crisis.

Sewer blockages and limited water access have left urban residents vulnerable. Some neighborhoods receive tap water once a week, worsening hygiene standards.

According to the ministry’s Weekly Disease Surveillance Report, deaths occurred across major provinces. Harare, Bulawayo, and Midlands reported fatalities at key hospitals.

Sally Mugabe Central Hospital and United Bulawayo Hospitals reported two deaths each. Additional fatalities came from Kwekwe District, Ruwa Local Board, and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.

The ministry revealed that children under five comprised 59% of reported cases. This demographic remains particularly vulnerable due to weaker immunity.

Mashonaland West and Mashonaland East recorded the highest infections, tallying 1,414 and 1,099 cases, respectively. These provinces continue to experience severe water challenges.

Cumulatively, the nation has recorded over 335,000 diarrhea cases this year. A total of 171 deaths have occurred, raising widespread health concerns.

Health experts blame collapsing water and sanitation infrastructure for fueling the outbreak. Frequent sewer bursts and water supply disruptions have created fertile ground for waterborne diseases.

Zimbabwe Nurses Association president Enock Dongo warned of escalating risks. He pointed to contaminated water and overflowing sewage as primary threats to public health.

“With the rainy season here, the spread of waterborne diseases will worsen. Unreliable water systems have made the situation dire,” Dongo said.

He urged residents to boil water before drinking and prioritize hand hygiene. Such measures, he said, could limit exposure to contaminated sources.

Medical and Dental Private Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe president Johannes Marisa highlighted economic hardships as a contributing factor.

Marisa noted that many Zimbabweans rely on informal vending for survival. Poor food handling and unsanitary conditions have aggravated the spread of diarrheal infections.

“Improperly handled food, contaminated water, and poor sanitation are key causes,” Marisa explained. “Economic difficulties force people into vending without adequate hygiene.”

The rains, Marisa said, have increased pollution in water bodies. Combined with collapsing infrastructure, this has created conditions ripe for widespread infections.

Community Working Group on Health executive director Itai Rusike emphasized the link between water scarcity and hygiene challenges.

“When water is scarce, food, utensils, and hands cannot be cleaned thoroughly,” Rusike said. “This environment fuels diarrheal diseases.”

Rusike urged authorities to enforce regulations surrounding sanitation and water management. He stressed the need for immediate interventions to protect public health.

While calling for systemic solutions, Rusike advised residents to remain vigilant. Practicing hand hygiene, boiling drinking water, and thoroughly cooking food were key precautions.

“Fruits, vegetables, and cold foods must be washed in clean, treated water,” he added. Communities, Rusike emphasized, should ensure food sources are safe and hygienic.

Zimbabwe’s worsening economic and infrastructural conditions have amplified health risks. As urban centers grapple with collapsing systems, diseases like diarrhea continue to spread.

Health officials fear the situation may worsen during the rainy season. Contaminated groundwater, overflowing sewage, and stagnant pools pose serious threats to communities.

The outbreak underscores the urgent need for reliable water access and improved sanitation. Without interventions, vulnerable populations remain at risk of illness and death.

With children under five disproportionately affected, the crisis highlights gaps in healthcare preparedness. Proper water treatment and hygiene practices remain critical.

As infections rise, experts stress collaboration between communities and authorities. Systemic changes, alongside individual precautions, will determine the trajectory of the outbreak.