In a follow-up on the cholera outbreak in Zambia, the cholera outbreak in Zambia continues to escalate.

Image/CDC
Image/CDC

During the past week, an additional 613 cases were reported. As of 8 January 2018, a cumulative total of 2,672 cases with 63 deaths (case fatality rate 2.4%) have been registered. The bulk of the cases were recorded from the urban Lusaka district.

WHO is working with the Zambian health authorities to conduct an oral cholera vaccination campaign, which was launched on 10 January 2018. Two million doses of the oral cholera vaccine were procured from the Gavi-funded global stockpile.

Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions are ongoing in both affected and non-affected areas. Mass cleaning of some parts of Lusaka City has been conducted with the help of the Defence Forces.

The cholera outbreak situation in Zambia is concerning. The total number of cases has increased by almost 7-fold in the past 4 weeks. Officials warn that the ongoing rainy season (lasting until April), coupled with the inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure, may intensify the outbreak.

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