By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
In the tranquil town of Kariba, a deadly shadow has fallen as cholera sweeps through the community, claiming one life and infecting at least 21 residents.
The outbreak, which began in the fishing camp of Gache Gache and has since spread to Nyamhunga village, has stirred fear and uncertainty among the locals who now find themselves on the frontlines of a public health crisis.
Kariba District Medical Officer, Dr Godwin Muza, confirmed the heartbreaking news, saying, “One person has died and has since been buried.
The sick are receiving treatment at Gache Gache Clinic.” For many, the situation is an unsettling reminder of Zimbabwe’s devastating cholera outbreak in 2008-2009, which killed over 4,200 people.
The fishing camps, known for their constant movement of people, present a particular challenge for containment.
“There are fears that the highly mobile fishing camps will spread the disease in Kariba and surrounding areas,” Dr Muza said. This reality has spurred health authorities into urgent action.
Teams from the Ministry of Health and Child Care have launched an all-out response, equipping the community with vital supplies like gloves, aprons, and masks, especially for those directly affected and Village Health Workers handling burials.
Efforts to educate the community are in full swing, with campaigns aimed at teaching residents about cholera symptoms and prevention measures.
In Nyamhunga village, where water sources are under scrutiny, officials have begun inspecting water points and collecting samples for testing.
The borehole supplying the local health facility is being checked as part of a larger effort to identify contamination risks.
With Kariba’s serene landscape now marred by the specter of cholera, authorities and residents alike are rallying together, determined to halt the spread of this deadly disease.
As the community braces for what may come, one thing is clear: the resilience of Kariba’s people will be essential in overcoming this crisis.
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