Over 100,000 Individuals Vaccinated Against Cholera in Zambian District

Synopsis

As of February 11, a total of 104,585 individuals have received the oral cholera vaccine in Chililabombwe, Zambia's most affected district, according to Health Minister Elijah Muchima. The vaccination drive is part of efforts to combat the cholera outbreak that has affected Copperbelt Province since January.

Key Takeaways

104,585 vaccinated in Chililabombwe
81% of the targeted population reached
Collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, Red Cross
Additional measures include water tanks and boreholes
Copperbelt Province has 206 cholera cases

Lusaka, Feb 11 (NationPress) A total of 104,585 individuals have been administered doses of the oral cholera vaccine in Chililabombwe, Zambia's most affected district in Copperbelt Province during the ongoing cholera outbreak, as reported by Minister of Health Elijah Muchima.

This figure accounts for 81 percent of the targeted population of 129,837.

The vaccination initiative commenced last Friday and is being executed in collaboration with partners including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund, and the Red Cross, according to Muchima.

"With bolstered measures and all ministries cooperating, we are optimistic that the cholera outbreak will be managed swiftly," he stated during a press conference on Monday.

Additional strategies involve the installation of water tanks and the provision of treated water for handwashing at crucial locations. The minister also mentioned plans to drill eight boreholes in key areas.

Copperbelt Province has been grappling with the cholera outbreak since January, reporting 206 cases as of February 9, out of a national total of 238 cases, according to the Ministry of Health.

All eight deaths recorded occurred within Copperbelt Province, as stated by the Xinhua news agency.

As per the World Health Organisation, cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by consuming contaminated food or water containing the Vibro cholerae bacterium. It poses a significant global public health challenge and highlights disparities in social and economic development. Access to safe water, adequate sanitation, and hygiene is crucial to prevent cholera and other waterborne illnesses.

Most cholera cases present mild to moderate diarrhoea and can be managed with oral rehydration solutions (ORS). However, the disease can escalate quickly, making prompt treatment essential for saving lives. Severe cases require intravenous fluids, ORS, and antibiotics.

Cholera can lead to severe acute watery diarrhoea, which can be lethal within hours if left untreated. The majority of individuals infected with Vibro cholerae show no symptoms but can transmit the bacterium via their faeces for 1 to 10 days. Symptoms typically manifest between 12 hours and 5 days post-infection.