05 Jan 2024 | 01:51 PM UTC
Zambia: Elevated cholera activity reported in multiple areas through early January /update 2
Elevated cholera activity reported in multiple areas in Zambia through early January. Use food and water precautions.
Zambian health authorities have reported elevated cholera activity in multiple areas, with an additional 1,692 cases reported Dec. 28-Jan. 4, bringing the total case count to 4,097 cases since Oct. 1. This is compared to roughly 359 cases reported in Zambia in 2022. Areas reporting cholera activity include the Central, Copperbelt, Eastern, Lusaka, Northern, and Southern provinces. Local health authorities are providing chlorine to treat household water in badly affected areas and urge the public to adopt strict hygiene practices. Authorities have deferred the reopening of schools in the country until Jan. 29 in an effort to contain the outbreak. This represents the most complete data available as of Jan. 5.
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 from October-April, during the rainy season. Between 2008 and 2017, Zambia reported roughly 34,950 cholera cases, of which the Lusaka Province was the most affected, reporting the highest disease activity. Health authorities reported roughly 359 cholera cases in Zambia in 2022 and more than 6,000 cases in 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.
