Ministry of Health Pushes Prevention to Quash Harare Typhoid Outbreaks
Zimbabwean health officials said a total of about 2,000 cases of typhoid have been reported, with slightly over 100 new cases a day
Epidemiology and Disease Control Chief Dr. Portia Manangazira of the Ministry of Health said state and international organizations are focusing on prevention and helping Harare residents at high risk The Zimbabwean Ministry of Health on Tuesday reported more new cases of typhoid as the Harare city officials continued working to contain the spread of the disease. Health Ministry officials were reporting 106 new cases in 41 high density suburbs. No deaths have been reported in the outbreaks to date. The new cases bring the total to nearly 2000 since the onset of the outbreaks. The ministry says typhoid is contained, but warned that the disease could surge again in a few weeks. Health officials are urging residents to practice prevention to ward off the disease - but residents say they face a difficult task locating water that is not contaminated. Epidemiology and Disease Control Chief Dr. Portia Manangazira of the Ministry of Health said Zimbabwean and international health authorities are monitoring the situation in Harare. She told VOA reporter Tatenda Gumbo that the focus remains on prevention and assisting residents of the capital who are at most risk of contracting typhoid. Political analyst and local governance consultant Rejoice Ngwenya told VOA's Sithandekile Mhlanga that the Urban Councils Act should be amended so local authorities have the power to access resources to deal with outbreaks.