The Press and through you the Nation Ladies and Gentlemen, I rise today to address a matter of great concern.
It is my duty to inform you that we have identified a new case of cholera in Lusaka District. Cholera, a waterborne disease, tends to manifest with increased intensity during the rains.
The confluence of heavy rainfall and potential contamination of water sources poses a heightened risk. Our healthcare teams are already in action, working diligently to contain the spread, provide immediate medical care, and implement preventive measures.
Cholera, a highly contagious and potentially deadly waterborne disease, demands immediate attention and swift action to protect the community. Cholera outbreaks in Zambia typically occur from October to June of the following year.
Generally, most cases are recorded in unplanned densely populated areas of Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces and in the fishing camps and districts of Northern, Luapula, Southern and Central provinces.
These have historically been the major cholera hotspots for Zambia. This year, we have successfully managed cholera outbreaks in Eastern, Northern and Luapula Provinces since January 2023. We recorded our first confirmed cholera case in the Lusaka District on 15th October 2023.
The index case was a female aged 21 years who presented at the Kanyama Hospital on the 14” October with acute watery diarrhea and vomiting. She presented in shock and was successfully resuscitated by the health team at the hospital.
Rapid response teams were dispatched into the community for contact tracing and were able to identify a community death that is alleged to have been linked to this index case prior to confirmation of the outbreak. Ladies and gentlemen, let us gather our collective efforts and ensure we prevent the outbreak from escalating.
In this regard, I urge everyone to take proactive measures to safeguard themselves and their communities
Hon.SylviaT.Masebo
MINISTEROFHEALTH