The City of Bulawayo has reported a staggering increase in diarrhoea cases, with approximately 555 infections recorded as of August 2024, representing a 693% rise from just 70 cases in July.
Alongside this surge, the city also registered one imported malaria case and five dysentery cases, while the incidence of dog bites increased from 39 to 78.
Additionally, the month saw six snake bites reported compared to none in July, and cases of acute malnutrition rose to 56 from 35.
The local authority confirmed a single COVID-19 case and three mumps cases, a decrease from 11 in July, while there were no reports of measles or cholera.
Emphasizing the need for swift action, the council highlighted the importance of early detection and containment of disease outbreaks, urging for ongoing surveillance and proactive responses to infectious diseases.
Various public health initiatives were rolled out, including community dialogues focusing on health education and disease prevention, with an emphasis on issues such as cervical cancer screening and the importance of vaccinations.
The council also implemented emergency response mechanisms to monitor and manage disease outbreaks effectively.
Health promotion activities included radio broadcasts and community announcements aimed at educating residents on diarrhoeal disease prevention and other public health concerns.
