Fast Response Contains Cholera Outbreak In Lusaka

Zambia's Health Minister, Sylvia Masebo, has officially verified the occurrence of a cholera outbreak in the Kanyama Township of Lusaka, regrettably resulting in one casualty.

The outbreak was ascertained on Sunday, the 15th of October, 2023. However, there is encouraging news to report as a 21-year-old woman, who was previously confirmed to have contracted the disease, has now been effectively treated and is in a stable condition. 

During a press conference in Lusaka, Minister Masebo divulged that, thanks to swift medical intervention and public health initiatives, there are presently no active cholera cases in the Lusaka district, following the successful treatment of the patient in Kanyama.

Cholera outbreaks tend to be more prevalent during the rainy season, primarily due to the heightened risk of water contamination. Historically, areas lacking proper planning and densely populated regions have been significant cholera hotspots in Zambia, particularly in Lusaka and the Copperbelt provinces.

The 21-year-old woman, who presented herself at Kanyama Hospital with symptoms of acute watery diarrhoea and vomiting, has received effective treatment. Rapid response teams were deployed to the community to trace contacts, which led to the identification of a community fatality believed to be linked to the initial cholera case.

Minister Masebo urged the public to take proactive measures to curtail the outbreak's escalation. This includes maintaining heightened hygiene, safe water consumption, adequate sanitation, food safety practices, and prompt reporting of symptoms.

In response to this cholera outbreak, the Ministry of Health is actively collaborating with the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation to ensure that communities lacking access to clean and safe water sources receive the necessary support. 

Health authorities recommend that communities take early measures to address cholera symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting. Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) can be administered, even at home, to mitigate the disease's effects.

Meanwhile, the New Dawn government is working towards both preventative and immediate solutions to cholera and other diseases. President Hakainde Hichilema, who also serves as the Global Cholera Control Champion, underscores the importance of national unity in combating the outbreak and achieving a cholera-free Zambia.