Cholera Cases Rise to 174 with Two Deaths

Zambia has recorded 174 cumulative cholera cases and two deaths since the outbreak began on 5th August, Health Minister Dr Elijah Muchima has confirmed.

Giving an update on Thursday, Dr Muchima said 156 patients have been discharged while 16 remain admitted in treatment centres across Mpulungu, Nsama, and Mbala Districts. The outbreak, which started at Chipwa Health Post in Mpulungu, has spread to Kasisi and Kipwa in Tanzania, underscoring the cross-border nature of the threat.

“We have confirmed cases linked to funeral travel and fish trading in Tanzania, highlighting the urgent need for regional cooperation,” he said.

Government has stepped up its response with operational Cholera Treatment Centres, strengthened surveillance, chlorine distribution, and door-to-door sensitisation campaigns. Water quality monitoring is ongoing, and communities are being reached through schools, churches, and markets.

Dr Muchima revealed that the Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) campaign in Mpulungu achieved 100 percent coverage of its target population. Plans are now underway to extend vaccination to other high-risk areas in Mpulungu, Nsama, and Mbala Districts, with 200,000 people expected to be reached in the next two weeks.

While immediate efforts focus on containment, the Ministry of Health is also working with partners to strengthen long-term water and sanitation systems, with a goal of eliminating cholera by 2030.

Dr Muchima urged communities to maintain hygiene, use chlorine-treated water, and seek medical attention promptly. “Together, we can stop cholera. Zambia has overcome outbreaks before, and with your cooperation, we will overcome this one too,” he said.