“Of the reported 5, 747 cases, 10 deaths were in the under five age group,” said Manangazira in an exclusive interview.
Rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrhoea among infants and young children and is especially prevalent in the winter. According to the Weekly Disease Surveillance Report, the provinces that reported the highest number of diarrhoea cases are Manicaland with 1, 662 and Mashonaland Central (1, 553 cases).
“According to studies that at Harare, Parirenyatwa and Chitungwiza Central Hospitals in recent years, rotavirus is the major cause of death in children during the winter. The cumulative figure for diarrhoea is 203, 611 and 175 deaths since January 2013,” she said.
Manangazira said the Ministry of Health was this year going to introduce a rotavirus vaccination.
Post published in: News