Bulawayo on High Alert Over Disease Outbreaks


Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube

The City of Bulawayo has recorded a significant increase in diarrhoea cases, with approximately 400 cases reported in July, up from 318 cases in the previous month.

This is according to the latest minutes from the Bulawayo City Council, which were presented by health services director Edwin Sibanda on August 7.

“The city remains on high alert for various disease outbreaks, including Ebola, Marburg Virus, Mpox, cholera, typhoid, measles, and COVID-19,” Sibanda said.

“We have rolled out intensified emergency response mechanisms to detect, contain, monitor, predict, and manage disease outbreaks as they continue to evolve.”

The council has conducted health education sessions for various groups in the City and has implemented disease surveillance activities to monitor the situation closely.

“We are taking a proactive approach to prevent and control the spread of diseases,” Sibanda said.

“We urge residents to take precautions and report any suspected cases to the authorities immediately.”

The City has also seen an increase in other adverse conditions, including malaria, dysentery, dog bites, and acute malnutrition. However, there were no reported cases of measles or cholera in July.

“We are working tirelessly to contain any outbreaks and prevent the spread of diseases,” Sibanda said.

“We appeal to residents to cooperate with us and take the necessary precautions to stay safe.”

The council’s efforts to prevent and control disease outbreaks include:

  • Maintaining surveillance and staying alert to respond quickly to any suspected infectious diseases
  • Conducting active case finding and tracing activities
  • Identifying risk factors associated with contracting diseases
  • Recommending prevention and control measures

Residents are urged to take precautions to prevent the spread of diseases, including:

  • Practicing good hygiene
  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
  • Reporting any suspected cases to the authorities immediately
  • Staying informed about disease outbreaks in the area

While efforts being put in place by the City Fathers are commendable, these will go to nought because of the water crisis bedelving the Royal City.

Some suburbs such as Harrisvale, Neqi, Trenance, Pumula South and others have gone for more than three months and some four without water.

It will be difficult for residents to adhere to utmost hygenic practices so as to prevent such diseases as dysentry and cholera.

Zim GBC News©2024

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *