Cholera Outbreak
There is a current cholera outbreak in Zambia which is affecting all parts of the country, including Kanyama, where our community hub will be held.
If you experience severe diarrhoea or vomiting, seek medical help.
The nearest FCDO recommended hospital is:
University Teaching Hospital (UTH), Nationalist Road, Ridgeway, Lusaka
+260 601 251 200 Emergency: 911 / 01 25 41 15 / 01 25 41 51
A summary is available here:
https://reliefweb.int/report/zambia/zambia-cholera-outbreak-dg-echo-zambia-national-public-health-institute-dg-echo-partners-echo-daily-flash-04-january-2024 and the press is widely reporting the issue. We are monitoring this situation for the community hub and will be applying appropriate risk mitigation measures.
On an individual basis, you should follow your own institution’s procedures for risk assessment prior to travel.
There is an oral cholera vaccine available but it requires 2 doses, spaced a week apart, with the second taken one week before entering a risk area.
What is Cholera?
Overview
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Cholera remains a global threat to public health and an indicator of inequity and lack of social development.
Symptoms
Cholera is an extremely virulent disease transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water (2). Cholera can cause severe acute watery diarrhoea and the severe forms of the disease can kill within hours if left untreated.
Most people infected with V. cholerae do not develop any symptoms, although the bacteria are present in their faeces for 1–10 days after infection and are shed back into the environment, potentially infecting other people.
Among people who develop symptoms, the majority have mild or moderate symptoms. It takes between 12 hours and 5 days for a person to show symptoms. A minority of patients develop acute watery diarrhoea with severe dehydration. This can lead to death if left untreated.