From The Star (SA), 8 February

Zimbabwe cholera threat: Avoid shaking hands

Harare - Cholera is still a threat in Zimbabwe and more cases of the disease are coming to light, the state-controlled Herald newspaper reported yesterday. At least 14 people are known to have died of cholera since Christmas, three of them in the capital, Harare. So serious is the cholera threat that Health Minister David Parirenyatwa has told Zimbabweans not to shake hands because they could contract the disease. "I am sorry but I think I have to tell people that the time to just shake hands with everyone is gone," he said. The minister has also urged people to be careful when buying fruit and fish. Cholera, a disease characterised by violent diarrhoea and vomiting, spreads quickly in the rainy season especially in places where public sanitation systems are poor. There have been at least 250 reported cases of cholera so far this season in Zimbabwe, according to the paper. Other diarrhoeal illnesses are also said to be rife.