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The Ministry of Health has recorded 18 deaths from 457 new cholera cases nationwide in 24 hours with Lusaka continuing to record the highest.
Out of the 457, Health Minister, Syvia Masebo, revealed that 406 were recorded in Lusaka, 28 Central Province, seven in Eastern Province, 5 in Southern Province, four on the Copperbelt, three in North-western Province, two from Western, one each from Muchinga and Northern Provinces.
Masebo said this when she addressed the media in Lusaka on Thursday.
She added that Copperbelt, Western and Muchinga Provinces had recorded imported cases.
“In the last 24 hours we have recorded country wide total of 457 new cases, compared to 528 yesterday (Wednesday) and 736 the day before,” Masebo said.
She stated that her Ministry was hopeful that the downward trend marked the beginning of the end of epidemic.
“Luapula Province remains at high alert with no cases recorded in this current outbreak. The number of cases currently in admission are 1,117 with 580 discharges in the last 24 hours,” she stressed.
However, the minster was worried that of the 18 deaths recorded in 24hrs, 16 were in the community and two in the cholera treatment facilities across the country.
“Notably, all the16 deaths occurred in Lusaka Province. Specifically, 17 occurred in Lusaka District, and one in Chilanga District. The cumulative death toll is now at 310,” the minister noted.
Masebo stated that the total number of cases recorded since October 2023 to January 11, 2024, are 7,830 and a cumulative of 6,504 patients discharged.
“These cases are distributed as follows; 7,375 Lusaka Province, 277 Central Province, 61 Eastern Province, 37 Southern Province, 25 Northwestern Province, 18 Western Province, 17 Northern Province, 16 Copperbelt Province, and four Muchinga Province,” she said.
Masebo further indicated that while good progress was noted the ministry faced difficulties around the management of public places and adherence to the public Health and social measures.
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“We therefore implore all of you take up the responsibility of making yourselves and your families safe. It always starts with I then WE,” she advised.
She urged members of the public to take personal hygiene seriously, instructing them to boil or chlorinate their drinking water and cook their food thoroughly and avoid buying food from the streets.
“We, are also encouraging business owners and members of the communities to keep their surroundings clean. The government is supporting this exercise by the distribution of granular and liquid chlorine in targeted area,” she emphasized.
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