AUTHORITIES in Zvishavane district have confirmed two cases of cholera, triggering an urgent response from the district’s health institutions amid fears of further transmission.
In an internal memorandum dated May 15, 2026, the District Medical Officer at the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Gabriel Nyasha Ndagurwa announced that the cases were laboratory-confirmed by the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory (NMRL).
The memorandum, issued through Zvishavane District Hospital, directed all public and private health facilities in the district to immediately intensify surveillance and preparedness measures.
“This memorandum serves to inform all health facilities in Zvishavane District that the district has reported two laboratory-confirmed cases of cholera through the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory,” reads part of the notice.
Health institutions have been ordered to maintain what authorities described as a “high index of suspicion” when attending to patients presenting symptoms associated with cholera, particularly acute watery diarrhoea and vomiting.
“Screen all patients presenting with acute watery diarrhoea and/or vomiting. Promptly investigate and report all suspected cholera cases immediately,” the memorandum instructed.
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Ndagurwa also ordered facilities to ensure adequate stocks of critical medicines and emergency supplies needed to manage suspected and confirmed cases.
“Ensure adequate stocks of oral rehydration salts (ORS), intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and other essential supplies,” the notice said.
As part of emergency preparedness, health centres were instructed to prepare isolation areas and strengthen infection prevention and control systems.
“Prepare designated isolation areas for management of suspected and confirmed cases,” the memorandum added.
Authorities further emphasized the importance of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) measures to contain any possible outbreak.
Residents have been urged to practice regular hand washing with soap and safe water, drink treated or boiled water, observe proper food handling practices, and seek early medical treatment for diarrhoea and vomiting symptoms.
“Ensure health facilities have adequate safe water supplies, sanitation facilities, and chlorine for disinfection,” Ndagurwa said.
The alert comes as Zimbabwe remains on guard against recurring cholera outbreaks that have previously affected several districts across the country.
Health officials in Zvishavane say all facilities are expected to implement the outlined measures with immediate effect to prevent escalation of the disease.