By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Zambia has recorded 17 new cholera cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases nationwide to 1,186 since the outbreak began in August 2025.
According to the latest update issued by Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), 14 of the new cases were recorded in Lusaka District, while three were reported in Mpulungu District.
The Institute also confirmed two new deaths in Lusaka District, raising the total number of cholera-related deaths to 20 nationwide since the start of the outbreak.
ZNPHI Director of Public Health Policy, Diplomacy and Communications, Dr. Doreen Shempela, revealed that 1,148 patients have successfully recovered and been discharged from treatment centres across the country.
“As of 10 March 2026, 17 new cholera cases were reported within the last 24 hours, with 14 in Lusaka District and three in Mpulungu District. Sadly, two new deaths have been recorded in Lusaka District. Since the outbreak started in August 2025, Zambia has reported a total of 1,186 cholera cases and 20 deaths nationwide. To date, 1,148 patients have been successfully treated and discharged,” Dr. Shempela stated.
She noted that despite Lusaka Province remaining the epicentre of the outbreak, epidemiological data indicates a gradual decline in transmission, with fewer cases being recorded on average.
Dr. Shempela said the government continues to implement a comprehensive response to control the outbreak.
“While Lusaka Province remains the centre of the outbreak, analysis of epidemiological trends indicates a gradual decline in transmission, with fewer reported cases on average,” she noted.
She added that the government, through the Ministry of Health and ZNPHI, together with cooperating partners, is implementing a multi-sectoral response to manage the outbreak.
“Enhanced surveillance includes active case-finding, contact tracing, and rapid-response investigations in affected and neighbouring districts. Laboratory capacity has also been strengthened to ensure the swift confirmation of suspected cases,” she said.
She further noted that Cholera Treatment Centres and Oral Rehydration Points remain operational to provide immediate treatment and prevent fatalities, with additional healthcare workers deployed to high-burden facilities.
Dr. Shempela stressed that efforts to improve water, sanitation and hygiene in hot-spot communities have also been intensified, including chlorination of water sources, distribution of water treatment supplies and enforcement of public health regulations.
“The oral cholera vaccination campaign remains a vital part of the response, with 1,968,815 people vaccinated in high-risk districts since 2025,” Dr. Shempela said.
Dr. Shempela urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue taking preventive measures.
“People should practise good hand hygiene using soap and clean water, ensure that all drinking water is from a safe source or properly treated before use, and seek urgent medical advice if they or a family member show symptoms such as severe watery diarrhoea or vomiting,” Dr. Shempela said.
