Published Date: 2011-12-28 14:28:36
Subject: PRO/EAFR> Cholera - Zambia (04): (Copperbelt), susp.
Archive Number: 20111228.238381

CHOLERA - ZAMBIA (04): (COPPERBELT), SUSPECTED
**********************************************

A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org


Date: Wed 28 Dec 2011
Source: Zambia National Broadcasting Cooperation (ZNBC) [edited]
http://www.znbc.co.zm/media/news/viewnews.cgi?category=8&id=1325059966


Ministry of Health Spokesperson Dr. Kamoto Mbewe says his Ministry is still waiting for a detailed report on the reported outbreak of cholera in Mufurila District on the Copperbelt.

Dr. Mbewe says officials are on the ground to investigate the outbreak in the area and that members of the public will be availed with detailed information once a full report is submitted to the Ministry.

He told ZANIS in Lusaka on Tuesday [27 December 2011] that people of Mupambe Township in Mufurila should not panic because health personnel are doing everything possible to contain any possible outbreak of the disease.

Dr. Mbewe also warned members of the public across the country to ensure that they boil their drinking water before using to avoid infection.

It has been reported that over 300 cases of diarrhoeal diseases have been recorded in Mufulira's Mupambe Township following the contamination of water last week [week ending 25 Dec 2011].

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-EAFR
<promed-eafr@promedmail.org>

[An escalation in acute watery diarrhoea cases particularly in persons aged five years and above is a reliable indicator for early detection of a cholera outbreak. Further information on the definite cause of acute watery diarrhoea cases in Mupambe Township, Mufulira district will be appreciated.

A map showing the provinces of Zambia can be accessed at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_Zambia and the HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of the country can be seen at
http://healthmap.org/r/0q3N. - Mod.JFW]

See Also