By FLAVIOR CHISHALA –
CHOLERA cases in Lusaka Province have now increased to 40 following new cases in the hard-hit Kanyama Township which has recorded three more.
Provincial medical officer Kennedy Malama said yesterday that the three new patients who were being treated at the Kanyama cholera centre, were responding well to treatment.
Dr Malama said in an interview that efforts to eradicate cholera should involve all individuals from their various localities.
He appealed to members of the public to be extra cautious in hygienic matters as one way to combat the disease.
“We can no longer confine this disease to Kanyama because people travel and shake hands everyday, so there is need for every Zambian to be on high alert and focus more on its prevention,” Dr Malama said.
The ministry of Health is working with various stakeholders, including the Lusaka City Council (LCC), the Police and Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company (LWSC) to contain the disease.
Dr Malama also said that water sources which showed signs of contamination were being treated while the ministry would continue sensitising the community.
He said possibilities of cholera being transferred to other provinces were high, hence the need for all the provinces to intensify preparedness and enhance prevention.
“Food safety is no longer guaranteed and the outbreak is still there, so we need concerted efforts and commitment towards making sure personal and household hygiene is maintained,” Dr Malama said.
As of February 12 this year, 20 cholera cases were recorded in Kanyama Township, the first of its kind in the province in six years.
A number of interventions have since been initiated, including shutting down of some bars and shops, intensified garbage collection by LCC and suspension of the sale of water at selected communal taps by LWSC.