AN INDEPENDENT doctors' group says cases of the bacterial disease typhoid have increased to more than 800 in Harare amid fears the city could also be hit by a new cholera outbreak.
No deaths have been reported from typhoid but the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights said Sunday the situation could worsen as the troubled coalition government lacked urgency in dealing with public health woes.
In a statement, the group said that amid heavy rains clean water supplies were still irregular or "completely absent" in most impoverished townships in Harare.
It said burst sewers were left unattended and meat and fish were sold on streets nearby.
Harare’s health services director, Dr Prosper Chonzi has also warned that the city faced a new cholera outbreak as health conditions continue to deteriorate.
"We can have cholera anytime. The environment is conducive for the outbreak. We need to be proactive and play our part," Dr Chonzi told state media Saturday.
Council officials said city hotels, restaurants and open air food spots faced closure if they did not comply with health standards.
"We may close some (businesses) until they are inspected and we are assured of their cleanliness," town clerk, Dr Tendai Mahachi said.
Dr Chonzi added: “"Food businesses and those that handle raw foodstuffs like fruits, unprocessed foods and butcheries face closure.
“We will have to certify food handlers. They should be screened for TB and general cleanliness.”
A cholera outbreak in 2009 blamed on the collapse of water, sanitation and prevention services across the country killed more than 4,000 people.