The Ministry of Health has recorded 7 lab confirmed cholera cases in Nakonde District of Muchinga Province along with the second national case of mpox recorded in Kitwe.
The second national case of mpox recorded involves a 34-year-old woman from Ndeke in Kitwe whose husband also earlier in December presented mpox symptoms saying they are both now stable with 8 close contacts currently under observation.
The acting Minister of Health, Douglas Syakalima who disclosed this during a media briefing in Lusaka today said 5 cases of cholera were recorded on 26th December 2024 at Nakonde urban clinic with the first 3 cases where a husband, wife and their son were admitted on 24th December when they presented cholera symptoms which was later confirmed with positive lab results.
Mr Syakalima also announced that today, two more cholera cases have been recorded from the same family making the total cases of cholera recorded to seven.
He said last year, about 700 000 lives succumbed to cholera saying that the Ministry has since intensified surveillance while urging the public to avoid unsafe foods as well as clean their environments.
He added that the expected target for cholera vaccinations is 3 million doses that are expected of which he urged the public to get vaccinated as they also practice cleanliness.
The Minister who emphasised the significance of seeking urgent medical attention for people that present symptoms of cholera also urged members of the public to adhere to cholera preventive measures.
