Zimbabwe recorded 7 505 cases of common diarrhoea and five related deaths in the week ending August 31, 2025, as the country continues to battle a surge in preventable diseases, the Ministry of Health and Child Care has said.
Three diarrhoea-related deaths were reported at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare, while one was recorded in Chirumhanzu District, Midlands, and another in Lupane District, Matabeleland North. Of the cases, 4 186 (55.8 percent) were children under the age of five. Mashonaland West (1 321) and Manicaland (1 100) recorded the highest numbers. Since the start of the year, 209 121 cases and 126 deaths have been recorded.
Malaria accounted for 990 new cases and four deaths, with fatalities reported at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare, Mount Darwin and Bindura in Mashonaland Central, and Mudzi in Mashonaland East. Children under five made up 163 of the new cases.
Mashonaland Central (440) and Mashonaland East (299) reported the highest figures. Cumulative malaria cases now stand at 137 639, with 371 deaths.
The ministry also noted 583 dog bite cases during the week, though no deaths were reported. Mashonaland West (89) and Masvingo (84) recorded the highest figures, bringing the total for the year to 19 458 cases.
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Ten suspected measles cases were reported in Harare, Mashonaland East, Midlands and Bulawayo, bringing the cumulative total to 3 510. No deaths have been recorded.
Influenza cases stood at 4 792, with Mashonaland West (1 375) and Manicaland (1 332) topping the list. Cumulatively, 253 323 cases and one death have been reported.
Snake bites were recorded at 20 this week, pushing the total to 3 174 cases and 12 deaths.
The ministry urged vigilance and preventive action. “Parents and guardians must seek early medical care, especially for children under five who are the most vulnerable.
"Safe water, good sanitation and timely vaccination remain the best defences against these diseases,” the ministry said.
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