Cholera Outbreak Claims 222 Lives in Zambia; Cases Surge to 5,462
By Caroline Ameh
The Zambian Ministry of Health has reported a stark rise in cholera-related deaths, with the toll now reaching 222 individuals. Since the outbreak’s resurgence in October 2023, the total number of cases has surged to 5,462, marking a concerning escalation in the waterborne disease’s spread across the nation.
The latest ministry figures reveal that the epidemic has extended its reach to the seventh province, intensifying fears about its rampant expansion. Over the preceding 24 hours, 27 fatalities and 567 new cases were recorded, accentuating the urgency of the situation as highlighted in the ministry’s released data from Sunday.
In a bid to contain the crisis, 340 individuals were discharged in the same period, summing up total discharges to 4,172. However, a substantial 1,059 people continue to remain hospitalized, underscoring the gravity of the outbreak’s impact on public health.
The ministry’s daily update outlines the alarming extent of the outbreak, which now affects 31 districts across seven out of Zambia’s 10 provinces. Lusaka, the nation’s capital, bears the brunt of the crisis, grappling with the highest impact of the disease.
Addressing the urgent need for treatment facilities, the ministry has designated the China-built National Heroes Stadium as a specialized cholera treatment center, aiming to bolster efforts in managing and combating the epidemic’s surge.
