Army steps in Zambia markets to stop cholera outbreak

By Francis Maingaila

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - The army along with other authorities shut down all markets, including trading areas in Lusaka Sunday in an effort to contain the spread of cholera in the capital.

Ministry of Defense Permanent Secretary Stardy Mwale told journalists on Sunday the military moved in the markets in the early hours in order to facilitate the cleaning activities at the premises.

The move came after directives of the president, the minister added. Cholera outbreak has claimed more than 50 lives since Oct. 6.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Health banned all public gatherings in Lusaka as part of measures to control the spread of the disease.

Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya told journalists recently that initially the outbreak was confined to densely-populated areas of Lusaka but now the disease was spreading fast to low-density areas.

The Ministry of Health also gave orders to fix all clogged drainage systems.

The minister said during the rainy season drainages in Lusaka were blocked which in turn became fertile grounds for cholera in markets.

About 14,000 dealers are expected to be affected by the closure of the markets over a two-week period.