Fresh cholera outbreak reported in northern Zambia

12/9/2025 7:24

Fresh cholera cases have been reported in northern Zambia, barely two months after the government declared the waterborne disease had been contained, health authorities said on Thursday.



Kennedy Lishimpi, permanent secretary for technical services in the Ministry of Health, said 13 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours, bringing the cumulative total to 114 cases and one death since the fresh outbreak began on Aug. 5.



The government, he said, has since intensified water quality monitoring in all affected areas and commenced oral cholera vaccinations for more than 72,000 people out of a targeted population of 73,615 in Mpulungu, as part of efforts to contain the outbreak.



"The government remains firmly committed to safeguarding public health. With the continued support of communities and partners, we are confident that the outbreak will be effectively contained," he said.