Surveillance Report Highlights Rising Dysentery ...

Surveillance Report Highlights Rising Dysentery and Dog Bite Cases

Zim Now Writer

Zimbabwe continues to face pressing public health challenges, with recent disease surveillance data revealing significant numbers of dysentery, dog bites, and other infections.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care’s report for the week ending November 10, 2024, underscores the need for strengthened health measures and community awareness to curb these diseases.

Dysentery Cases on the Rise

A total of 544 new dysentery cases were reported nationwide last week, with Mashonaland Central (117) and Manicaland (104) provinces recording the highest numbers. The cumulative total for 2024 now stands at 14,920 cases, with no deaths reported so far. Dysentery, often linked to poor sanitation and unsafe water sources, remains a significant concern, especially in rural and peri-urban areas.

Alarming Dog Bite Incidents

Animal-related health risks are also in focus, with 573 dog bite cases recorded during the same period. Alarmingly, 15.6% of these bites involved unvaccinated dogs, and 64.1% were attributed to dogs with unknown vaccination status. The majority of incidents were reported in Mashonaland East (136) and Masvingo (118) provinces. The cumulative figure for dog bites this year is 24,536 cases, with no deaths.

Typhoid and Malaria Trends

Typhoid fever, another disease of concern, saw four suspected cases last week from Harare Province, with no fatalities. The cumulative total for suspected typhoid cases now stands at 253 cases, all without deaths.

Meanwhile, malaria, a perennial challenge in Zimbabwe, recorded 350 new cases last week. Of these, 53 (15.1%) were in children under five, a vulnerable demographic. The provinces most affected were Mashonaland Central (105) and Manicaland (102). Since the start of the year, malaria has claimed 85 lives out of 38,361 cases.

Influenza Spikes

A notable increase in influenza cases was observed, with 3,638 suspected cases reported last week. Manicaland again topped the charts with 1,325 cases, followed by Mashonaland West with 906 cases. Cumulative figures indicate a staggering 288,445 influenza cases this year, with two fatalities.

As the rainy season progresses, health experts warn that cases of waterborne diseases and malaria are likely to rise. Communities are urged to report symptoms early and seek medical attention promptly.