Seven Children Succumb to Diarrhea in Separate Outbreaks in Zimbabwe

Via Zim Guardian :

" Health Ministry official Dr. Portia Manangazira said the diarrhea outbreaks in Masvingo and Kadoma did not signal a new epidemic of cholera like that which claimed some 4,200 lives in 2008-2009.

Beatrice Ngwenya of the Combined Harare Residents Association said her group is concerned that children are dying from preventable illnesses.

Seven children have died in outbreaks of diarrhea in the Zimbabwean towns of Masvingo and Kadoma with nearly 6,500 cases reported last week alone, authorities said Monday, blaming poor sanitation, leaky sewage systems and insufficient safe water supplies.

Dr. Portia Manangazira, director of disease control for the Ministry of Health, said it is particularly worrisome that 60 percent of cases concern children under age five. She said cities and towns must dispose of garbage properly and provide clean drinking water."