Zimbabwe announces typhoid outbreak in Harare

27 January 2016 - 14:02 By Agency Staff
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Image: Gallo Images/ IStock

Zimbabwe has reportedly announced several cases of typhoid in the capital Harare, sparking fears of a major outbreak in the city.

According to The Herald, Harare City Health Director, Dr Prosper Chonzi, revealed that three cases of the disease had been reported in the last week.

The cases, confirmed in the areas of Glen Norah, Hopley and Hatfield, were of concern due to food being prepared in unhygienic conditions in certain parts.

Chonzi, however, called for calm among residents, saying that more than 30 cases of typhoid constitute an outbreak and that measures were being taken to curtail a further spread of the disease.

The announcement is the latest of several outbreaks to hit the capital in recent years.

According to IRIN News, a deadly outbreak was confirmed in Harare in January of 2012, with over 900 cases of the disease being reported across several weeks.

Chonzi urged residents to continue basic hygiene practices such as washing hands before meals and treating water at the point of use.

He also appealed to any citizens experiencing diarrhea to seek medical attention early in order to prevent the spread of the disease.

Source: News 24

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now