15 Jan 2024 | 10:34 AM UTC
Zambia: Elevated cholera activity reported in multiple areas, especially Lusaka, through January /update 3
Elevated cholera activity reported in multiple areas in Zambia through January. Lusaka is most affected. Use food and water precautions.
Zambian health authorities have reported elevated cholera activity in multiple areas, with an additional 4,179 cases reported Jan. 5-11, bringing the total case count to 8,276 cases since Oct. 1. This is compared to roughly 359 cases reported in Zambia in 2022. Disease activity has been reported in nine of the country’s 10 provinces, with Lusaka Province being most affected, accounting for 94 percent of all confirmed cases. Other areas reporting elevated cholera activity includes the Central and Eastern Provinces. Authorities have postponed the reopening of schools in the country until Jan. 29, and have banned street vending and public gatherings to contain the outbreak. This represents the most complete data available as of Jan. 15.
Consult a travel medicine provider regarding cholera vaccination before traveling to the country. Practice strict food and water precautions. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop within a week of being in areas of high cholera transmission.
The risk of infection exists year-round, nationwide in Zambia, with the risk being highest October-April, during the rainy season. Zambia’s last major cholera outbreak occurred from October 2017-June 2018, where a total of 5,935 cases were reported, with Lusaka accounting over 90 percent of the cases. Health authorities reported roughly 359 cholera cases in Zambia in 2022 and more than 6,000 cases for 2017-2018.
Cholera is transmitted directly through food or water contaminated with fecal material from an infected person. Most infected people develop no symptoms or only mild diarrhea. However, approximately one in 10 infected people develop severe cholera, which causes symptoms including profuse, watery diarrhea, vomiting, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, muscle cramps, restlessness, or irritability. Symptoms typically appear two or three days after exposure but can develop up to five days after exposure. Individuals with severe cholera can develop acute renal failure, severe electrolyte imbalances, and coma. If left untreated, these can lead to shock and rapid death.
