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Luthando Mapepa Chipinge Correspondent
A SUSPECTED cholera case has been reported in Chipinge District, The Herald can reveal.

Chipinge Civil Protection Committee chairperson Mr William Mashava confirmed the case, which was reported at Mutandahwe Clinic in Chipinge South last week.

Mr Mashava said his committee had swiftly engaged other stakeholders to visit the area and raise awareness on the diseases as it is close to places where some cholera cases had been confirmed.

“There is a suspected case of cholera in the district at Mutandahwe Clinic, where one patient is suspected to have contracted the disease. There are high chances that this might turn out positive as some cases have been confirmed positive in the nearby Chiredzi District.

“Last week, there were some cases that tested positive just 6km from Mutandahwe at Jack Quinton Bridge in Chiredzi District and we fear that it might be positive.

“We want the public to know that cholera is real and we must remain vigilant every time at all places,” he said.

In a separate interview, Chipinge District medical director Dr Brian Makumbe said they were still carrying out tests on the suspected case and results would be known as soon as possible.

“The Ministry of Health is currently carrying out tests on the suspected case and you will be advised of the outcome soon.

“We are urging the public to be always on high alert and employ all prevention measures available.

“The people of Chipinge should be on high alert, as some cholera cases were confirmed in two districts close to them,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Mashava revealed that they had instructed people in the area to stop all communal gatherings where people meet in large numbers.

“We are also urging unregistered food outlets to close shop until they are able to meet all health requirements,” he said.