The City of Harare’s Department of City Health Services has issued a warning to residents about an increased risk of cholera and other diarrhoeal diseases following recent heavy rains, flooding, and sewer overflows in several parts of the city.

Cholera is a severe diarrhoeal infection caused by consuming contaminated food or water. It can lead to rapid dehydration through watery diarrhoea and vomiting, and can be fatal within hours if not treated.

In a public health alert on Friday, 31 January, the city revealed that 47% of boreholes tested in Harare contained water that is unsafe to drink without proper treatment.

Residents have been urged to take precautions to protect themselves from waterborne diseases, including ensuring that water is boiled or treated before drinking, practising good hygiene, and avoiding contact with floodwaters wherever possible.