Cholera Outbreak Declared as 11 Deaths Recorded Across Seven Districts

Zambia has officially declared a new cholera outbreak after 304 cases and 11 deaths were recorded across seven districts in five provinces.

Acting Minister of Health, Dr. Gilbert Siame, says eight of the deaths occurred in communities while three were recorded at health facilities, raising concern over delays in affected communities seeking medical attention.

As of September 29, 62 cases had been laboratory confirmed, with 35 patients currently receiving treatment and 230 having been discharged.

The affected districts are Lusaka, Chilanga and Chongwe in Lusaka Province; Chibombo in Central Province; Chiengi in Luapula; Nsama in Northern Province; and Chikankata in Southern Province.

Chibombo and Lusaka account for the highest number of reported cases, with the Ministry of Health intensifying surveillance, active case finding, laboratory testing, treatment and community interventions to contain transmission.

The Ministry is also urging members of the public to use safe water, observe hand hygiene and seek medical attention immediately when symptoms of cholera develop.