Chinhoyi — THREE people have died of cholera in Chinhoyi and Kariba while several others have been admitted at treatment camps established to contain the outbreak.

Two of the victims died in Chinhoyi while the third person died in Kariba.

In Chinhoyi, at least 48 people had been treated at a camp at Chaedza Hall by midday on Tuesday, while nine others who were in a serious condition were admitted.

Police were working closely with the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare to confiscate and destroy fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and bread from illegal vendors.

Food sold by the vendors could be the source of the disease which thrives in unhygienic surroundings.

Mashonaland West provincial medical director Dr Wenceslas Nyamayaro confirmed the cholera outbreaks in Chinhoyi and Mola in Kariba. He, however, said health officials were on the ground to contain the outbreak.

Makonde District medical director Dr Gift Masocha said Gadzema suburb and a section of Chitambo, which are densely-populated and had gone for long periods without water, recorded the highest number of cholera cases.

"We will introduce more treatment centres if or when the need arises, but currently we are working flat out to contain the situation.

"We are conducting raids to rid the streets of foodstuffs sold under unhygienic conditions as they could contribute to the spread of the disease," he said.

Most parts of Chinhoyi have been receiving erratic or no water

supplies, forcing people to get it from unprotected sources. Food is also being served under unhygienic conditions as Zinwa blames Zesa Holdings for intermittent power cuts.

Last month, more than 15 people died following a cholera outbreak in Chitungwiza.