Via The Herald: Zimbabwe: CPU On High Alert Following Cholera Outbreak in Musina, South Africa. Excerpt:
The Civil Protection Unit in Beitbridge is now on alert following a cholera outbreak in Musina, South Africa last week, an official has said.
Acting District Civil Protection Unit chairperson Mr Peter Moyo said during a disaster preparedness meeting yesterday that they were set to meet their South African counterparts over the issue on Monday next week.
He said the South Africans had engaged them (CPU) for assistance on how to manage the situation in light of Zimbabwe's successful containment of a cholera outbreak which swept across the country in 2008.
A team of health officials from Musina also visited Beitbridge last week to familiarise themselves with effective cholera management methods employed by Zimbabwean authorities.
"We have activated all our units across the district following an outbreak of cholera in Musina, South Africa. There is increased human traffic between Musina and Beitbridge and hence we need to work together with our neighbours to avoid a rapid spread of the disease.
"So far they (South African Port Health) have admitted a number of people at Musina Hospital for cholera," he said.
It is understood that most of the cholera cases in Musina emanated from Wype Farm near South Africa's northern border town. Mr Moyo said people should not panic as the situation was under control adding that the CPU was well prepared and working towards ensuring that the disease did not spread into Zimbabwe.
