Zambia rushes to stave off cholera outbreak as cases rise in capital

By James Kunda

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) – At least nine cholera cases have been reported in Zambia as the country scrambles to avert what could be its first outbreak in nearly four years.

All the cases were detected in the capital Lusaka this month, according to officials.

“A rapid response has been launched in Lusaka, including active case searches, disinfection of houses and public areas, distribution of chlorine, water quality monitoring, and awareness drives,” Health Minister Sylvia Masebo told reporters on Friday.

“We have also vaccinated 2,131 people with oral cholera vaccines in the identified hotspots,” she added.

Cholera, an acute diarrheal infection caused by contaminated food or water, is a “global threat to public health and an indicator of inequity and lack of social development,” according to the World Health Organization.

It affects both children and adults and can kill a person within hours if untreated.

Zambia faced its last cholera outbreak between October 2017 and June 2018, when almost 4,400 cases and just under 100 deaths were recorded in several areas of the country.

The situation deteriorated to a point where the government restricted public movement and deployed the army in certain areas, including Lusaka.

Masebo did not say if similar measures are being considered at the moment but urged citizens to follow standard hygiene and prevention measures.

“We must work together to break the transmission chain,” she said.