Recent rains in southeastern Zimbabwe are the cause of cholera epidemic which has lead to death of seven caused by drinking of contaminated water.
Cholera is caused by the enterotoxin produced by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae, which leads to profuse vomiting and watery diarrhea. A recent outbreak of cholera has occurred in two cities in Zimbabwe causing seven deaths and more than 150 patients are infected with the bacteria in two districts of Chikomba and Chivhu in southeastern Zimbabwe. The Mortality rate of cholera infection is high in conditions where treatment is not given. The Health ministry of Zimbabwe has set up two additional health camps in these two districts for providing treatment and preventive medicines where, oral rehydration salts are provided to compensate fluid loss in these patients and antibiotics to treat cholera patients. Cholera outbreaks occurs due to drinking of contaminated water or food containing cholera bacteria and the Zimbabwe authorities feel that the recent heavy rains in these districts may be the reason for water contamination leading Cholera outbreaks in these two districts.
