Zambia Cholera Outbreak

Situation as of 6 th September 2023

Abstract

On 5th August 2023, Nsumbu Rural RHC notified Nsama DHO of having an increasing number of diarrhoea cases with suspected cases of Cholera at the facility. 5 stool samples were sent for laboratory confirmation and culture on the 5th of August 2023 with confirmation received on the 10th of August via culture, biochemical tests, serotyping and sensitivity.
The index case was a male aged 49 years from Kabamba Village. He was brought to the health facility around 14:10hrs on 5th August, 2023 presenting with Dehydration and a history of watery acute diarrhoea with vomiting.
Cases were initially being managed successfully by the District rapid response team with support from the Provincial Health Office with additional support from the National Level Cholera IMS. The rapid escalation of cases and protraction of the outbreak warrants a robust National Activation of the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre with a need for a galvanized multisectoral response.
Nsama is one of the 9 districts across the country that has been experiencing sporadic outbreaks since 21st January 2023.
Preparedness and Response activities, whilst ongoing, must also entail recalibration of Cholera Elimination activities for the country as a whole.