The latest outbreak has brought to 19 the numbers of reported cases of typhoid in Masvingo since the beginning of the year. Nine other cases of the disease were reported during March.
Health officials said the disease had so far affected parts of Masvingo city and the surrounding areas amid reports that the number of affected people might increase.
“We are currently having laboratory tests done for five other suspected cases to confirm if those hospitalised have been affected,” said a senior health official who requested anonymity because he is not allowed to speak to the press.
“We are worried about the outbreak because it would appear those affected are not seeking treatment in time, making our efforts to contain the disease difficult,” he added.
Masvingo provincial medical director Robert Mudyiradima confirmed the outbreak but said the situation was under control. “The outbreak has been reported in Masvingo district alone and therefore we have put in place measures to ensure that we contain the disease,” he said. “We are urging people who suspect they have been affected by the disease to report early to the nearest health service centre to get the required treatment.”
Masvingo city council chief health and environmental officer, Zvapano Munganasa, told a full council meeting last week that the disease was under control. “We have managed to contain the outbreak of typhoid as no new cases have been reported for the past week at our council clinics,” he said.
Post published in: Health