Cholera cases jump to 1,900
By Ludia Ngwadzai
ZAMBIA has recorded 52 new cholera cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the total cumulative number of infections to 1,958 since the outbreak was declared on July 28 this year.
This is contained in the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) cholera outbreak update for yesterday.
The institute said seven of the newly recorded cases were laboratory-confirmed while no new deaths were reported during the period.
The institute said the latest figures indicated that 81 patients were currently admitted to hospital.
“…health authorities continue to respond to the outbreak affecting 24 districts across seven provinces,” the ZNPHI said.
Of the 1,958 cumulative cases, 303 were laboratory-confirmed, while 1,837 patients had recovered and been discharged from health facilities.
“The outbreak has so far claimed 40 lives,” the institute said.
The institute said Lusaka tops the list of districts with high numbers of cholera infections.
“Lusaka remains the worst-affected district, accounting for 1,159 cases, followed by Chibombo with 314 and Chongwe with 111 cases,” the institute said.
The institute said other affected districts include Chilanga with 84 cases, Chiengi, 74, Mpulungu, 61, Mwansabombwe, 39, Nsama, 30, Nchelenge, 21 and Mwense 15.
The institute said Mumbwa had recorded 11 cases, while Monze had nine.
“Kafue and Kaputa have five cases each, followed by Chisamba with four. Chikankata and Shibuyunji have recorded three cases each, while Kitwe, Mbala and Solwezi have two cases piece. Kalomo, Livingstone, Mazabuka and Ndola have each recorded one case,” the institute said.
The institute warned the public to observe preventive measures, including washing hands regularly with soap and clean water, drinking boiled or treated water, thoroughly cooking food and maintaining proper toilet hygiene.
It urged members of the public experiencing watery diarrhoea or vomiting to seek medical attention immediately at the nearest health facility.
The Institute said the public can also access cholera-related assistance through the toll-free numbers 7020/702 available on all mobile networks.
