167 Snake Bites Recorded in a Week

Zim Now Writer

Snake bites continue to pose a significant public health concern in Zimbabwe, with the Ministry of Health and Child Care recording 167 cases in just one week. According to the Ministry’s latest disease surveillance report for the week ending April 6, 2025, no deaths were reported during this period. However, the cumulative total of snake bite cases has now reached 2,193 since the beginning of the year, including nine deaths.

The report also provided updates on other health threats such as anthrax and dog bites.

Two new anthrax cases were confirmed in Gokwe North and Gokwe South districts, bringing the cumulative number of cases this year to 49. No fatalities have been recorded from anthrax so far.

Meanwhile, dog bite incidents remain the most common animal-related health issue, with 646 cases reported during the week. Of these, 140 involved vaccinated dogs, 136 unvaccinated, while 370 were from dogs with unknown vaccination status. Midlands Province recorded the highest number of cases at 102, followed by Mashonaland Central with 86. The cumulative total for dog bites now stands at 9,218, with no associated deaths.