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Health ministry urges caution as Mpox cases rise

Published

9 months ago

August 30, 2024

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

The Ministry of Health and Childcare has issued a statement urging citizens to take immediate action to protect themselves and others from Mpox, a viral disease that can be transmitted from animals to people.

As cases of Mpox continue to rise, the ministry is advising residents to avoid physical contact with anyone showing signs and symptoms of the disease, including a rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

Additionally, citizens are cautioned against sharing personal items, eating undercooked meat, and having unprotected contact with wild animals.

“Wash your hands regularly with soap under running water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer,” the statement reads.

“Wear a mask if you cannot avoid close contact, and ensure that all foods containing animal meat or parts are thoroughly cooked before consumption.”

The ministry’s guidance comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern about the spread of Mpox in the African context.

According to WHO, the outbreak has resulted in over 15 600 cases and 537 deaths, with the number of cases increasing steadily over the past year.

“Mpox is a significant public health threat,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “

We urge communities to take proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease.”

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has declared the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

The declaration comes after an Emergency Committee of independent experts met to review data on the outbreak, which has affected several countries in Africa, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

In the community

Hwange police seek public’s help in locating missing teen

Published

1 week ago

May 15, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

The Hwange police are urgently seeking the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Latoya Lisa Munkuli, who went missing on May 7, this month.

Latoya, a dark-complexioned female juvenile, was last seen leaving her residence in Hwange around 4 pm.

She was wearing a distinctive outfit consisting of green trousers and a white T-shirt, and carried a black satchel. She stands approximately 1.6 meters tall.

Inspector Glory Banda of the Hwange police is leading the investigation and urges anyone with information about Latoya’s whereabouts to come forward.

If you have any information about Latoya’s disappearance, please contact Inspector Banda on 0785961747 or 0771256607.

National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

Published

1 month ago

April 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) locomotive suffered significant damage after catching fire while transporting export coal to Zambi. The incident occurred between Kalala and Matetsi sidings, resulting in the explosion of the locomotive’s fuel tanks.

According to the NRZ press statement on Monday, “A National Railways of Zimbabwe locomotive suffered some damages after it caught fire this afternoon while transporting export coal to Zambia.” Fortunately, the crew members on board managed to escape unharmed.

The NRZ responded swiftly to the incident, dispatching a rescue train with crews to the site. The team successfully extinguished the fire, preventing further damage. However, the locomotive itself sustained considerable damage.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, with investigations currently underway. “Investigations are already underway to establish the cause of the fire and the amount of damage to the locomotive,” the NRZ statement read.

In the community

Human-wildlife conflict claims 18 lives in Zimbabwe’s first quarter

Published

1 month ago

April 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has reported a disturbing trend of human-wildlife conflict in the country’s first quarter of 2025. According to the authority, 18 people have lost their lives, and 32 others have been injured in encounters with wildlife.

ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo revealed that the authority received 579 cases of human-wildlife conflict, which they managed to respond to promptly. The incidents have also resulted in significant livestock losses, with at least 53 cattle and 85 goats killed by wildlife.

The districts most affected by these incidents include Binga, Hwange, Kariba, Chiredzi, Hurungwe, Nyaminyami, and Mbire. ZimParks has been working tirelessly to raise awareness about wildlife behaviors and effective preventive measures in these areas.

In response to the crisis, ZimParks has translocated 129 animals back into protected areas and eliminated 158 animals deemed problematic.

“We encourage communities to continue reporting incidents to ZimParks Problem Animal Control numbers and local leadership, such as Councillors, Traditional Leaders, and Rural District Council Authorities, to ensure that we preserve lives,” Farawo urged.

The significant increase in livestock losses, with cattle deaths rising from 18 to 53 and goat deaths from 21 to 85 compared to the same period in 2024, highlights the growing challenge of human-wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe.

ZimParks’ efforts to mitigate the conflict include community initiatives to educate people on managing wildlife encounters effectively.