Cholera Comes Back in Zambia

A cholera outbreak in Zambia has been continuing for 27 weeks since it was first declared on 4 October 2017. The outbreak peaked in the first week of January 2018 and then declined following widespread cholera vaccination. However, a new increase in reported cases since the middle of March has been reported, when 210 newly-infected people were reported, along with 4 suspected deaths due to cholera. The Lusaka area continues to be the focal point for the outbreak.

Advice

All travellers can minimize the risk of exposure to this disease. Strictly observe all food and water precautions in any area where there is cholera. If gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., vomiting and profuse watery diarrhoea) develop while visiting the affected area, travellers should seek medical care at once.