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Lisa Shirichena Herald Reporter
Fourteen people died of diarrhoea countrywide during the first week of this month, Ministry of Health and Child Care said yesterday. This brings the total number of people who have died of diarrhoea so far this year to 270 out of 255 735 reported cases.

According to the ministry surveillance disease update, Manicaland is the hardest hit as it has more cases reported.

The report says 8 963 cases were reported the first week of this month.

“Of the reported cases 4 812 and seven deaths were from the under five years of age,” reads part of the report.

The deaths were reported from Umguza District in Matabeleland North Province (4), Mazowe District in Mashonaland Central Province (1), Gokwe North district in Midlands Province (2), Mutare District in Manicaland Province (2), Marondera District in Mashonaland East Province (1), Harare City (1), Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals (2) and Chitungwiza Central Hospital (1).

The provinces, which reported the highest number of diarrhoea cases are Manicaland with 1 539, followed by Masvingo with 1 355.

Many people die of dehydration in most diarrhoea cases.