The death toll of a cholera epidemic in Zambia has risen to 70, with more than 600 patients treated. Cholera Epidemic in Zambia requires urg...
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| The death toll of a cholera epidemic in Zambia has risen to 70, with more than 600 patients treated. |
Zambia is grappling with a cholera epidemic that has claimed the lives of 70 individuals and left over 600 patients treated within the past two months, as reported by a government spokesperson on Thursday. The epicenter of the outbreak is Kabwe, located 200 kilometers north of Lusaka, where irregular water supply has exacerbated the situation.
What Caused Cholera?
Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, specifically the serogroups O1 and O139. The primary mode of transmission is through the ingestion of contaminated water or food. The bacterium typically thrives in environments with poor sanitation and inadequate access to clean water.
Ben Chirwa from the Central Board of Health revealed that the death toll in Kabwe alone has reached 50, and the situation is worsening, with an average of 40 patients being admitted to health centers daily. While cholera cases in most towns have stabilized, Kabwe remains a cause for concern. To curb the spread of the disease, authorities have taken stringent measures, including the closure of all learning institutions and most public facilities in Kabwe until the epidemic is contained.
Chirwa emphasized that restrictions on attending funerals and other public gatherings in the affected areas would persist until further notice. In a proactive move to combat the spread of cholera, the Zambian government released funds last month to unblock the main sewer system in Kabwe and purify drinking water.
The dire situation in Kabwe is further compounded by over 100 houses in high-density residential areas being submerged in sewer and garbage. Epidemiologists and infectious disease experts have expressed concerns about the potential cross-border transmission of cholera, particularly into neighboring Namibia.
Cholera is highly contagious, and there is a looming risk of epidemic diseases spreading from Zambia to Namibia via the Zambezi region. As a precautionary measure, countries in the region are urged to enhance disease control and surveillance measures to prevent further escalation of the outbreak.
How cholera spreads
Contaminated Water: Cholera bacteria can be present in water sources contaminated with human feces, especially in areas lacking proper sanitation infrastructure. Drinking water or consuming food prepared with contaminated water can lead to infection.Contaminated Food: Consuming raw or undercooked seafood, particularly shellfish, from contaminated water sources can transmit cholera. Fruits and vegetables irrigated or washed with contaminated water are also potential sources of infection.
Person-to-Person Transmission: While less common, cholera can spread directly from person to person through the fecal-oral route. This can occur in crowded or unsanitary conditions where personal hygiene practices are insufficient.
Travel and Trade: Cholera can be transported across borders through infected individuals traveling or through the international trade of contaminated food or water.
Poor Sanitation: In areas with inadequate sewage disposal and sanitation facilities, cholera can easily contaminate water sources, leading to outbreaks.
Preventive measures include improving sanitation, ensuring access to clean water, promoting proper hygiene practices, and implementing vaccination campaigns in affected regions. Rapid response to outbreaks is crucial to contain the spread of the disease and save lives.