Bulawayo City Council (BCC) says its engineers are studying water samples from Pumula North to determine what caused contamination after a diarrhoeal outbreak hit the suburb last week.
More than a hundred residents and children were affected by the disease including a two-year-old toddler who was referred to Mpilo Central Hospital for treatment.
According to the BCC, the first report was received from the area Councillor (Skhululekile Moyo) on July 11, 2022 while the local authority put a waiver on treatment fees to enable those affected to access medication freely at Pumula Clinic.
“The engineers are looking at the area and samples are being collected from taps and affected people,” said BCC Corporate Communications Manager, Nesisa Mpofu.
Mpofu said the local authority was encouraging all residents who exhibit signs of diarrhoea to report to the nearest health facility.
She added, “residents were are also encouraged to boil water if it has a smell or colour.”
“On July 11, 2022, around 20 people presented at the clinic, but on enquiry in 132 households more claimed to have suffered and recovered without treatment at clinic,” said the BCC spokesperson.
“On July 12, 2022, 44 were attended to, comprising 33 adults and 11 children below five years. 43 treated and sent home while a 2-year-old child was referred to Mpilo hospital for dehydration.”
Mpofu noted the affected were receiving treatment from Pumula clinic while others are being treated at home.
