The cholera outbreak in Chiredzi has been linked to contaminated water in irrigation canals, according to a statement from the presidency on Monday. The health ministry reported that 18,100 individuals have received treatment for cholera, resulting in 323 deaths. On January 14 alone, Chiredzi reported 45 new infections, with 83 people currently receiving treatment in the district, and five new deaths, four of which occurred in Masvingo.

The government attributes the Chiredzi outbreak to locals consuming untreated water from canals supplying irrigation water to the district’s plantations. George Charamba, the presidency’s spokesman, emphasized the dangers of consuming such untreated water, describing it as contaminated and deadly.

The health ministry has been addressing the cholera outbreak since February of the previous year. Manicaland has recorded the highest number of deaths at 106, while Harare leads in reported infections with 6,630 cases, resulting in 55 deaths. Matabeleland North has the lowest infections at eight, with no reported deaths, followed by Bulawayo with 14 cases and one death.

Cholera has now spread to 60 of Zimbabwe’s 64 districts, with a surge in late December and early January attributed to increased movement of people during the holiday season.

Cholera is transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water, and although it may cause mild symptoms or none at all, severe cases can lead to acute diarrhea and death within hours if left untreated. The containment of the disease involves access to safe water and sanitation, vaccination, and prompt medical treatment.