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HARARE, Zimbabwe – A cholera-related emergency has been declared in the Zimbabwean capital after the death of 20 people, the health minister said Tuesday.
Deaths in Harare are fears of a repeat of the epidemic that killed thousands of people at the height of the economic problems of the southern African country in 2008. Water and sanitation infrastructure collapse.
While visiting a hospital, Health Minister Obadiah Moyo told reporters that the epidemic was spreading to other parts of the country.
"The numbers are increasing day by day and to date, there are about 2,000 cases, which is a very large number," said the minister, attributing the epidemic to shortages of drinking water and poor sanitary conditions. "This whole problem appeared as a result of sewer blockage. The other problem is that garbage has not been collected regularly. There are water problems, no water availability.
Residents of some Harare suburbs have been without tap water for months, forcing them to dig shallow wells and boreholes contaminated with raw sewage from broken pipes.
Cholera is caused by the ingestion of contaminated food or water and can kill in a few hours if it is not treated.
The US Children's Agency said it was helping the Zimbabwean government to provide hygiene and water.
Tents have been erected at the Infectious Diseases Hospital on Beatrice Road to cater for the growing number of patients.
In 2008, more than 4,000 people died of cholera, according to government figures.
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