Deadly Cholera Outbreak Strikes Zambia
Authorities urge frequent handwashing and cautioned against eating uncooked fish and vegetables that may have been irrigated with contaminated water.
LUSAKA, Zambia- Zambia's health minister assured the public that newly arrived vaccines are safe as the country battles its worst cholera outbreak in years, writes Kennedy Phiri.
More than 9,500 cholera cases and over 374 deaths have been reported since October, Sylvia Masebo said at a news conference.
Almost half the country has been impacted, representing a “threat to the country’s health security system” with a “huge negative social economic impact,” she said.
The World Health Organization approved 1.7 million doses of oral cholera vaccines for Zambia.
The first 1.4 million doses arrived in four shipments between Jan. 11 and Jan. 14, Masebo said.
“Oral cholera vaccines are safe and the doses that have been received are authorized for use in Zambia,” she stressed.
The vaccines will be given first to high-risk areas of the capital, Lusaka, Masebo said. Eligible recipients include those aged 1 and older.
Cholera is spread mainly through contaminated food and water. It can kill within hours if untreated.
Zambia has battled 31 cholera outbreaks since 1977. This is the deadliest since 1991, when more than 5,000 people died.
“Cholera has become a public health crisis,” Masebo said. “We are hopeful these vaccines will help turn the tide.”
The outbreak has forced authorities to ban public gatherings of more than five people and delay reopening schools and colleges this month.
Cholera vaccination will supplement other prevention efforts in communities, Masebo said.
Authorities urge frequent handwashing and cautioned against eating uncooked fish and vegetables that may have been irrigated with contaminated water.