Description of the situation
27 October 1999
Disease Outbreak Reported
Following reports of an outbreak of acute diarrhoeal syndrome in Chibombo District, North Central Province, a team from the Ministry of Health visited the district on 13 October 1999 to assess the situation. The outbreak had been laboratory confirmed as cholera on 7 October. The first case identified at the end of September was a person who had travelled to one of the many fishing camps in the area which are located along the Lukanga swamps. The person had become ill while returning to his home village. Further cases were identified who had also travelled to the swamp area.
A rapid response team was activated and requests for assistance and supplies were made. A health education campaign was also initiated in the areas affected. At the time of the visit there had been 9 cases including 3 deaths at health centres and another 3 cases, all fatal, in the community.