Description of the situation
27 January 1999
Disease Outbreak Reported
The government of Zambia has informed WHO of a cholera outbreak in Ndola, in the northern part of the country near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. So far, a total of 66 cases has been reported, with 4 deaths. In view of heavy rainfalls, the Ministry of Health has already taken the necessary action and alerted the national cholera task force. Control measures are being taken.
Cholera preparedness committees are on the alert in other surrounding areas (Kitwe city and Chililabombwe), and are implementing prevention and preparedness measures which include conducting hygiene education campaigns, designating temporary cholera centres and establishing emergency stocks of drugs.
Zambia has been seriously affected by cholera epidemics in the past, with 13 154 cases in 1991, 11 659 cases in 1992 and 6 766 cases in 1993. Since 1994, the total number of cases has continued to decrease.