Epidemic (human)

The death toll is as of September 29, out of 304 cases.
A total of 35 individuals are undergoing treatment and 230 have been discharged.
The Ministry of Health reports that Lusaka is the most affected province, with 130 cases, including 39 confirmed cases, four deaths, 94 discharges and 32 patients currently receiving treatment.
The Central, Northern and Southern provinces are also experiencing outbreaks of the water-borne disease.
Dr Gilbert Siame, acting Health minister, said the government had strengthened active case finding, laboratory testing and rapid response around reported cases.
Emergency medical teams are supporting patients in affected districts.
The ministry, working with partners, is also conducting household visits, providing safe water and household chlorine, monitoring water quality, chlorinating shallow wells, and conducting community engagement and disinfection where indicated.
Oral rehydration points and treatment services have been set up in the affected districts.
“The ministry continues to assess whether reactive oral cholera vaccination will be deployed,” Siame said.
The ministry has urged members of the public to drink and use only safe, chlorinated or boiled water, practise proper hand hygiene, use toilets or latrines and cook food thoroughly.
The worst cholera outbreak in Zambia’s history occurred between October 2023 and June 2024, resulting in over 23 000 cases and around 740 deaths.
– CAJ News