December 2008 - More than an estimated 11,000 people in Zimbabwe are believed to be infected with more than 575 recorded deaths observed during a current and ongoing outbreak. The number of people infected is believed to be significantly higher and the government is accused of underestimating the spread of the epidemic. The outbreak is a result of mismanagement of water purification infrastructure. Subsequent outbreaks are being observed in neighbouring countries as the medical infrastructure in Zimbabwe is severely crippled by hyperinflation leading to several Zimbabwean citizens seeking medical care elsewhere. The continuing closure of several local hospitals and the scarcity of basic medical commodities such as medicines and personnel is believed to be a major contributor to the spread.
