Zimbabwe is facing a growing health crisis, with common diarrhoea emerging as the country’s most widespread and deadliest infection, overtaking dysentery, influenza, anthrax, and dog bites, according to figures released by the Ministry of Health and Child Care for the week ending 9 November 2025.
This week alone, the Ministry recorded 7,285 diarrhoea cases and three deaths, making it the only disease in the surveillance update to claim lives.
Two of the deaths occurred at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, while one was recorded at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. Children under five accounted for 41% (2,974) of all new cases.
Cumulatively, diarrhoea has now reached 300,556 cases and 160 deaths, making it the leading contributor to Zimbabwe’s overall disease burden.
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By comparison, dysentery infections stood at 442 cases, with no deaths reported this week. Mashonaland West recorded the highest number of cases at 120, followed by Manicaland with 84. The cumulative tally for dysentery now stands at 14,979 cases and six deaths.
Suspected influenza cases remained high, with 4,449 infections reported. Manicaland led with 1,388 cases, followed by Mashonaland West with 1,297. The cumulative total is 302,085 cases and seven deaths, though influenza remains far less fatal than diarrhoea.
Communities also reported 628 dog bite cases, most involving dogs with unknown vaccination status. Of these, 22% (138) were bitten by vaccinated dogs, 21% (129) by unvaccinated dogs, and 57% (359) by dogs with unknown vaccination status. Masvingo recorded the highest number with 102 cases, followed by Mashonaland East with 88. Zimbabwe has now recorded 23,608 dog bites and three deaths.
Meanwhile, 18 anthrax cases were detected across four districts: Gokwe North (13), Gokwe South (3), Zaka (1), and Sanyati (1), bringing cumulative anthrax infections to 170 cases with no deaths.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care said the statistics underscore the urgent need for improved hygiene, safe water access, proper waste management, and timely medical attention—especially as diarrhoea continues to register the highest number of cases and deaths across provinces.
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