Disease Burden Remains High in Zim

Rutendo Mazhindu | Zim Now Reporter

Zimbabwe continues to face a high burden of communicable diseases, with over 10,000 new cases and 13 deaths recorded in a single week, according to the Weekly Disease Surveillance Report for the period ending 6 July 2025.

While no new cholera cases or deaths were reported during the week, other conditions including diarrhoea, malaria, influenza, snakebites, and dog bites remain a significant threat to public health across the country.

Malaria Claims Four Lives

A total of 3,015 malaria cases were reported, with four deaths recorded. The fatalities occurred at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare, Bindura District (Mashonaland Central), Gwanda District (Matabeleland South), and Mberengwa District (Midlands).

Of the total cases, 385 were children under five — a demographic consistently vulnerable to the disease. Mashonaland Central alone contributed 1,728 cases, making it the worst-affected province this week.

The cumulative malaria burden for 2025 now stands at 126,254 cases and 343 deaths, underscoring the urgency for sustained vector control and community education interventions.

Common Diarrhoea Surges Past 5,000 Weekly Cases

Diarrhoeal disease remains one of the leading causes of illness, with 5,029 new cases and seven deaths reported. Fatalities were recorded in Kwekwe District (3), Sally Mugabe Hospital (1), Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals (1), UBH in Bulawayo (1), and Chivi District (1). Alarmingly, 1,845 of the new cases involved children under five.

Mashonaland West (812) and Manicaland (707) recorded the highest number of cases. This brings the cumulative total for diarrhoea this year to 165,952 cases and 86 deaths.

Influenza Reaches 166,000-Case Milestone

Suspected influenza continues to spread, with 141 cases and one death reported this week — the fatality coming from Marondera District in Mashonaland East. The cumulative number of suspected cases now stands at 166,477, with one confirmed death for the year. Mashonaland West and Manicaland have reported the highest numbers, at 7,833 and 4,130 respectively.

Snake and Dog Bites Persist

Snakebite incidents remain a health concern, with 39 cases and one death reported this week — the fatality from Chegutu District in Mashonaland West. This brings total snakebite-related deaths this year to 10, with 3,018 cases reported.

Dog bites also remain widespread, with 456 new cases this week. Of these, 95 were from unvaccinated dogs, 88 from vaccinated ones, and 273 involved dogs of unknown vaccination status. Midlands (77) and Masvingo (66) recorded the highest numbers. Fortunately, no deaths were reported. The cumulative total now stands at 15,771 cases.

Cholera Situation Stabilises

In a positive development, no new suspected cholera cases or deaths were reported during the week. Cumulative cholera statistics remain at 544 suspected cases, 84 confirmed cases, 10 suspected deaths, and 13 confirmed deaths.

The report reveals the continued strain on Zimbabwe’s public health system, particularly in rural and high-density urban areas.

Experts have urged the Ministry of Health and Child Care to intensify public awareness, water and sanitation improvements, and disease surveillance — especially ahead of the rainy season when communicable diseases often spike.